The Enugu State Police Command has taken decisive legal action against a social media user accused of cyberstalking and defamation targeting a high-ranking state official. On Tuesday, 27th January 2026, authorities formally arraigned Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, a 41-year-old male, before a Magistrate Court in Enugu State.
Allegations of Defamatory Publication
The case centers on serious allegations of cyberbullying and stalking conducted through the Facebook platform against both the person and office of the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Professor Chidiebere Onyia. According to official police statements, the suspect operated under the Facebook account name "Sen Chijinkem Ugwuanyi" and made a controversial post on January 15th.
False Attribution to SSG
Investigations conducted by the Enugu State Police Command revealed that Ugwuanyi's post contained statements falsely attributed to Professor Onyia. The publication allegedly claimed the SSG stated: "Some people are meant to be used to win elections, while some are meant to be given appointments and political dividends." The suspect further compounded the alleged offense by attaching the photograph of the SSG to this controversial post.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Nduke, confirmed that during questioning, the suspect admitted to creating and publishing the content. However, Ugwuanyi reportedly failed to provide any evidence or proof that Professor Onyia actually made such statements, leaving the publication without factual foundation according to police findings.
Legal Proceedings and Remand
Following the arraignment proceedings, the court ordered that Chijinkem Ugwuanyi be remanded in the Correctional Centre while the case undergoes further legal review. The court specifically directed that the complete case file be transmitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for comprehensive legal advice, a standard procedure in such criminal matters.
This development highlights the increasing legal scrutiny being applied to social media activities in Nigeria, particularly when they involve allegations against public officials. The case represents a significant test of how Nigerian authorities are responding to what they perceive as harmful online behavior.
Police Commissioner's Warning
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, issued a stern warning to social media users in light of this case. The police chief emphasized the importance of exercising restraint and responsibility when using social media platforms. He specifically cautioned against cyberbullying, stalking, and the publication of defamatory content that could potentially incite hatred or breach public peace.
CP Giwa stressed unequivocally that offenders who engage in such activities would face the full weight of the law, indicating a zero-tolerance approach to what authorities consider abusive online behavior. This warning comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on public discourse and the potential for online activities to spill over into real-world consequences.
Broader Implications for Social Media Use
The case against Chijinkem Ugwuanyi raises important questions about the boundaries of free expression on social media platforms in Nigeria. While digital spaces have become vital arenas for public discussion and political commentary, this incident demonstrates that Nigerian authorities are increasingly willing to pursue legal action against what they determine to be defamatory or harmful content.
As social media continues to play an expanding role in Nigerian society, this case may establish important precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future. The outcome of the DPP's legal advice and any subsequent court proceedings will be closely watched by legal experts, digital rights advocates, and social media users across the country.
