An Awka Chief Magistrate’s Court ordered the remand of blogger Ejike Ofoegbu on Monday. The court acted after prosecutors accused him of publishing defamatory content targeting Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his family. Ofoegbu, who owns Igbo Times Magazine and iNews, now faces charges of identity theft, cyberstalking, and criminal defamation.
The presiding magistrate, C.O. Ezekwere, directed that the case file be forwarded to the Anambra State Attorney General for legal advice. The court lacks jurisdiction to grant bail, so Ofoegbu must approach the High Court in Awka for relief. The prosecution alleged that Ofoegbu fabricated stories to attract online traffic and generate revenue. One publication falsely claimed Soludo disowned his son, Ozonna. Another alleged the governor engaged in a drinking competition with a federal minister.
The prosecution cited Sections 24(1)(b) and 38 of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, along with Sections 373 and 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. These laws prescribe penalties of up to ten years imprisonment for defamation and cyberstalking. Ofoegbu had previously issued a public apology and retracted the stories, but the prosecution insisted on pursuing criminal charges. The case was adjourned to July 27 for compliance with the court’s orders.
The legal action against Ofoegbu reflects a broader crackdown on digital misinformation in Nigeria. State governments increasingly use cybercrime laws to prosecute bloggers and social media influencers accused of spreading false information. Anambra State, under Soludo’s administration, has prioritized reputation management. The governor’s office previously threatened legal action against critics who spread unverified claims about his policies or personal life.
The case also exposes gaps in Nigeria’s digital media regulation. The Cybercrimes Act, enacted in 2015, was designed to combat fraud and terrorism. However, state actors frequently repurpose it to silence dissent. Legal experts argue that the law’s broad definitions of defamation and cyberstalking create opportunities for abuse. Ofoegbu’s prosecution could set a precedent for future cases involving public figures and online publishers.
Ofoegbu’s publications targeted Soludo’s family dynamics. The stories claimed Ozonna Soludo described his father as a drunkard who physically abused his mother. These allegations, though retracted, circulated widely on social media. The governor’s legal team argued that the publications caused reputational damage and emotional distress. The court’s remand order suggests prosecutors presented compelling evidence of malice and intent to defraud.
The case intersects with Nigeria’s broader struggle to balance free speech and digital accountability. The National Broadcasting Commission recently proposed stricter regulations for online broadcasters. These rules would require bloggers to obtain licenses and adhere to content guidelines. Critics argue that such measures could stifle investigative journalism and public discourse. Ofoegbu’s prosecution may accelerate calls for clearer legal boundaries in digital publishing.
Anambra State’s legal strategy mirrors tactics used by other Nigerian governors. In 2023, Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike sued a blogger for defamation over reports alleging corruption. The case settled out of court, but it highlighted the risks faced by independent journalists. Ofoegbu’s remand underscores the vulnerability of digital publishers operating without institutional protections. His case may prompt media rights groups to challenge the constitutionality of using cybercrime laws to prosecute defamation.
