Ebonyi: Court remands lawyer over alleged cyberbullying, defamation against Rep Member

An Ebonyi Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, has remanded 43-year-old lawyer Igwe Nwalo Johnson in correctional centre over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation against Hon. Chinedu Ogah, member of the House of Representatives, representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency.

The charges, filed under case number MAB/616C/2025 by the Ebonyi state Commissioner of Police, alleged that Johnson, along with unidentified co-accused, conspired in October 2025 to commit criminal acts through cyberbullying. The prosecution, led by Barrister Eze Chinagorom Ndubuisi of the Directorate of Legal Services, Police Headquarters, Abakaliki, accused Johnson of conspiring to commit cyberbullying, an offence under Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009. He further alleged that Johnson transmitted a live Facebook broadcast via the account of Amarachi Nweke, which purportedly placed Comrade Ogah in fear of death, violence, and bodily harm, contrary to Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015, as amended. The prosecution also accused Johnson of broadcasting content intended to damage Ogah’s reputation by falsely accusing him of a crime, in violation of Section 24(2)(c) of the same Act. During proceedings, Johnson’s counsel, Barrister Kelvin Nwafor, requested that the case be transferred to the Federal High Court, arguing that the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction. He also sought bail for his client. Presiding Magistrate, Sandra Oyibe emphasized the constitutional protections governing remand proceedings, noting that while bail could be considered, the ongoing remand must continue. The court adjourned the case to 22nd December 2025 for further hearing on the bail.