The Anambra State Police Command today, July 13, arraigned one Ejike Ofoegbu, the alleged owner and publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and iNews, before a competent court over allegations bordering on the publication of fabricated, untrue, and defamatory reports against the family of the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
Arraignment follows police investigation
The arraignment followed the Command's receipt of the suspect from the Department of State Services (DSS) Awka, and the conclusion of police investigations into a petition alleging the publication of false information capable of causing reputational harm and inciting public disaffection. According to the spokesperson of the state police command, Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect has been remanded in a correctional centre in the State.
Defamatory posts on social media
Ejike's defamatory publications, shared on social media, included several false posts. One claimed: “Breaking News: ‘I will arrest anyone who calls Ozo my son. He is not my son. I disowned him years ago, and he is no longer a member of the Soludo family.’” Another post stated: “Just In: I Don’t Take Advice From My Father. He Was a Drunkard Who Beat My Mom When I Was Young. His Treatment of My Mother Made Me Decide Never to Take Advice From Him — ‘Soludo’s Son’ Speaks Out.”
Further false reports included: “Breaking News: ‘I ordered Ozo from Temu. He is Chinese-made, not my son. Even at the hospital when he was born, I asked the doctor, ‘I hope you didn’t accidentally exchange my real son.’ Ozo is from Temu,’ Soludo jokingly told reporters.” And: “Breaking News: ‘They should organize a drinking competition between my father and Wike. I just want to see something. I’m willing to bet my life that my father would win. People don’t understand his drinking capacity.’ — Ozo.”
Retraction and public apology
Ejike has since retracted his statements and sent a public apology to the governor. The police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the suspect is now in custody pending further legal proceedings.
