Court Takes Action Against Cyberbullying Allegations
A Magistrate Court in Abakaliki has taken decisive action in a high-profile cyberbullying case, arraigning and remanding 52-year-old Chinagwo Paul Nweke for alleged cyberbullying and defamation against Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.
Details of the Charges and Legal Proceedings
According to official court documents identified as Charge Sheet No. MAB/616c/2025, Nweke faces serious allegations under multiple legal provisions. The charges include violations of Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria (2009) and Sections 24(2)(a) and 24(2)(c) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act 2015, as amended.
The prosecution alleges that in October, Nweke conspired with others who remain at large to commit felony offenses in Abakaliki. The specific accusation involves transmitting a live broadcast through a Facebook account belonging to Amarachi Nweke. This broadcast reportedly contained content that placed Comrade Chinedu Ogah in fear of death, violence, and bodily harm, while also including statements intended to damage his reputation.
Court's Jurisdictional Decision and Next Steps
During the hearing, Magistrate Sandra Onyibe made a significant jurisdictional ruling, stating that offenses under the Cyber Crimes Act fall outside the Magistrate Court's authority and are exclusively triable by either the High Court or Federal High Court. Consequently, the court ordered the transfer of the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further legal advice.
The defense counsel, Cyprian Udu, attempted to secure bail for the defendant, but prosecuting counsel Ebere Chukwu strongly opposed the application. The court ultimately decided to remand Nweke in prison custody and adjourned the matter to December 9, 2025 for further proceedings.
Uchenna Collins Egba, counsel for the complainant, addressed journalists after the hearing, emphasizing that while the Magistrate Court lacks jurisdiction over cyber crime cases, the accused retains the right to seek bail through the High Court. Egba confirmed that police and prosecuting authorities are following due process in handling the case, with the DPP set to thoroughly review the case file before the next hearing date.
