EJIKE OFOEGBU PUBLISHER AND OWNER OF IGBO TIME MAGAZINE ARRAIGNED BEFORE THE COURT, TO FACE CHARGES OVER, DEFAMATORY PUBLICATIONS AND FABRICATIONS

By Chinelo Okeke

Ejike Ofoegbu the online content creator and publisher of Igbo time magazine was arraigned today, July 13th before the Magistrate courts of Amawbia

The Defendant was accused of misrepresentation and Spreading false information aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Anambra state Governor Professor Charles Soludo and his Family, centering on his son Ozonna.

According to the Prosecutors, the Defendant had reported and fabricated stories making allegations stating that Soludo has disowned his son, while on the other hand that Ozonna in question has no regrets or regard for his father as he sees his father as a drunk and woman beater while growing up which is a malicious damage to the dignity of his father and to his political career.

Though the defendants had issued a public apology to the Governor and to Ndi Anambra, and retraction of his claims, the legal proceedings is still ongoing

The legal action is being followed under the stringent provisions of Nigerian law, including the cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention, Etc) Act 2015_Specifically Section 24 (1b) Concerning cyberstalking and Section 38 regarding Identity theft as well as the 2024 Amendment to the Cybercrime Act.

Also the Defendant was Charged under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act pertaining to Criminal defamation

The Presiding Magistrate C.O. Onyekwere during proceedings maintained and ruled that the Magistrate Court lack the requisite Jurisdiction to preside over the matter and court mandated that the case file be transmitted to the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the State for further action

The learned Magistrate C.O.Onyekwere, advised the defendant to approach the high court in Awka, in case he wishes to pursue application for bail.

The court was adjourned to July 27, 2026 for further proceedings.

Counsel for the plaintiff A.A. Nwanri, with the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, CSP OK.Nkuma, and Inspector Tobechukwu Echemagu of the State CID, moved for the Defendant to be remanded to the Awka Correctional Center.