Man Faces Cyberstalking, Defamation Charges Over Alleged Defamation Of Obi Of Ogwashi-Uku

Mr. Iloba Obata, who already faces multiple charges including murder, rape, arson, and armed robbery, has now been formally charged by the Inspector General of Police with cyberstalking and defamation against His Royal Highness, Obi Dr. Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, in Charge No. FHC/ASB/70C/2024.

The case, filed in the Federal High Court, Asaba, involves four counts that shed light on an alleged campaign to harass and defame the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

The charges, filed under the Cyber Crimes Act 2015 and the Criminal Code Act, include the following:

1. Count 1 – *Conspiracy to Commit Cyberstalking*: Mr. Obata, along with others currently at large, allegedly conspired to commit cyberstalking between July and August 2023 in Ogwashi-Uku. The offense is considered a felony and is charged under Section 27 of the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.

2. Count 2 – *Cyberstalking with Intent to Harass the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku*: According to the charge sheet, Mr. Obata, with intent to bully, threaten, or harass Obi Dr. Ifechukwude Okonjo, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Chief Gabriel Ohai, allegedly produced and distributed a video clip on social media portraying one Afamefuna Ubaka—a suspect facing murder charges—being brought to the Obi’s palace, where he was purportedly beaten and mistreated. The aim of the video was to expose the Obi and Chief Ohai to public ridicule and hatred. This act is in violation of Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.

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3. Count 3 – *Conspiracy to Commit Defamation*: Mr. Obata is also charged with conspiracy to defame, alongside accomplices who remain at large. The prosecution alleges that this conspiracy, also between July and August 2023, sought to damage the reputation of the Obi by associating him with actions that would bring disrepute. This offense is punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2010.

4. Count 4 – *Further Cyberstalking Charge*: This charge mirrors the second count, further reinforcing the accusations of cyberstalking with intent to cause harm to the Obi’s reputation through digital platforms.

The Delta State Ministry of Justice, through its Director of Public Prosecutions, had previously indicted Mr. Obata on related violent charges including two different cases of murder, armed robbery, arson, rape etc in Charge Nos. A/6c/2023 and A/62c/2023.

The Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, voiced concerns about what he described as a deliberate effort by certain individuals to undermine the Obi’s leadership.

These actions, he noted, follow the Obi’s strict enforcement of land policies and his commitment to upholding the rule of law.

A source within the police headquarters confirmed renewed ongoing efforts to apprehend Mr. Obata’s alleged accomplices, who are reportedly engaged in a broader scheme to defame the Obi.

Additional charges could be forthcoming as investigations continue to identify and address the actions of those orchestrating these campaigns.

In a related development, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Aniocha South Local Government had earlier this May raised objections to Mr. Obata’s appointment as chairman of Ward 2 and DISEC Ward 16, citing his serious criminal charges.

In a letter addressed to former Governor and Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on May 14, 2024, local PDP leaders called his appointment an imposition, alleging that it was pushed forward by Hon. Paschal Adigwe without proper consultation.

Community leaders criticized this decision, stating that it has tainted the party’s image and defied the principles of fair representation.

The letter’s signatories, including Chief Barrister Ojeogu, the former Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government, emphasized that the appointment of Mr. Obata—a suspect in ongoing trials for grave offenses—risks severe reputational damage to the party.

They warned that relying on his support for electoral gains could backfire, as members of the community are well aware of his criminal record.

Attempts to reach Mr. Obata for his response were unsuccessful at press time.

Legal proceedings are set to continue, as the community closely watches both the case’s impact and the broader implications for peace within Ogwashi-Uku.