Online Publisher, Ejike Ofoegbu, Denied Bail Over Defamatory Campaign Against Gov. Soludo

By Christian ABURIME

Online publisher, Ejike Ofoegbu, who operates under the banners of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambe State, on Monday, July 13, 2026, to face charges related to the publication of alleged fabricated and defamatory content.

The defendant stands accused of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation targeting the Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and members of his family, most notably his son, Ozonna. Prosecutors allege that Ofoegbu authored and disseminated malicious falsehoods—described in court as “satanic works of fiction”—designed to exploit sensationalism for online traffic and illicit financial gain.

According to the prosecution, the defendant’s reports included a series of unsubstantiated claims, such as: Allegations that Governor Soludo had “disowned” his son, fabricated statements attributing disparaging remarks to the Governor’s son regarding his father, reports of a fictitious “drinking competition” involving the Governor and a federal minister.

The legal action is being pursued under 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. Additionally, the defendant is charged under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act pertaining to criminal defamation.

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During the proceedings, counsel for the plaintiff, A.A. Nwanri, joined by the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, CSP O.K. Nkuma, and Inspector Tochukwu Echemagu of the State CID, moved for the defendant to be remanded at the Awka Correctional Center.

Presiding Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere ruled that the Magistrate Court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to preside over the matter. Consequently, the court ordered that the case file be transmitted to the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice for further action. Magistrate Ezekwere advised the defendant to approach the High Court in Awka should he wish to pursue an application for bail.

While the defendant previously issued a public apology and a formal retraction regarding the claims, the legal proceedings remain active. Despite these belated attempts at remediation, the prosecution is moving forward with charges that carry significant penalties for defamation, cyberstalking, and impersonation.

The court has adjourned the matter to July 27, 2026, for a status report on compliance and further procedural instructions.