A Magistrate Court sitting in Amawbia, near Awka, Anambra State, has ordered the remand of a blogger and publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Ejike Ofoegbu, at the Awka Correctional Centre over allegations of criminal defamation, identity theft and cyberstalking involving Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, his family and his son, Ozonna Soludo.
The remand order was issued on Monday by Chief Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere following an ex parte application filed by the prosecution. The court directed that Ofoegbu remain in custody pending the conclusion of police investigations and the issuance of legal advice by the Anambra State Attorney General.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly published a series of false and defamatory reports on digital platforms, claiming, among other allegations, that Governor Soludo had publicly disowned his son, that Ozonna Soludo described his father as “a drunkard who beat my mom,” and that the governor participated in a drinking competition with a serving minister.
The prosecution argued that the publications were false, malicious and intended to damage the reputation of the governor and his family, adding that the alleged actions contravened relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended.
The court granted the prosecution’s request for remand to allow investigators to conclude their inquiries before formal legal advice is issued by the state’s Ministry of Justice.
The matter is expected to come up again after the completion of investigations and the filing of appropriate legal processes.