THE FEDERAL High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of a journalist, Stanley Ugagbe, in Kuje Correctional Centre, for allegedly defaming Emem Usoro, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Deputy Governor in charge of Operations.
Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order after Ugagbe was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge preferred against him by the Inspector-General of Police (I-G).
The police charged Ugagbe and Fejiro Oliver (aka Oghenetega Oghenedoro), at large, with cyberstalking, false publication, cyberbullying and defamation.
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The prosecution said the publication was “falsely and intentionally made to harm the hard-earned reputation of CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro,” contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 (as amended) 2024.
Earlier when the case was called, the I-G’s lawyer, K.P. Ebong, informed the court that the matter was slated for the arraignment of the defendant and that they we ready to proceed.
The defence counsel, Adekunle Olanipekun, did not oppose Ebong’s application.
After the charge was read to him, Ugagbe pleaded not guilty to all the six counts.
The prosecution counsel then applied for a trial date in order to open their case against the defendant.
Responding, Olanipekun did not object but however informed the court of their bail application. “We are ready to take it based on the convenience of the court,” he said.
But the judge said he was yet to see the application. Olanipekun admitted that the bail application was just brought into the court through the court registry.
Responding, Ebong said he was just being served with the motion prior to the commencement of the case.
The lawyer, who indicated his interest to respond to the process, submitted that the bail application was not ripe for hearing.
Justice Ibrahim consequently adjourned the matter until Sept. 24 for trial and ordered the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are in court in the next adjourned date.
In count two, Ugagbe and Oliver (now at large) were alleged to have published: “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro hides N1.4 Billion California Luxury Condo in Asset Declaration Scandal.”
The police said the publication was falsely produced for the purpose of causing break down of law and order.
The police accused the defendants of publishing: “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro linked to N3.6 BN Los Angeles Property amidst questions over Asset Declaration Compliance.”
The prosecution said the publication was intentionally made to bully, threaten or harass the person of Usoro.
In count five, the defendants were alleged to have published: “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”
The police said the offence is contrary to Section 391 and punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, among other counts. (NAN)
