Awka Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to an online publisher, Ejike Ofoegbu, who is facing charges of alleged cyberstalking and criminal defamation involving Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
Ofoegbu, believed to be the publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, was arraigned before the Magistrate’s Court sitting in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, over allegations of publishing false and defamatory content aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Governor Soludo and members of his family.
The prosecution said the case followed investigations by the Anambra State Police Command and the Department of State Services (DSS) into a petition alleging that the defendant published fabricated reports capable of inciting public disaffection and damaging reputations.
According to the prosecution, Ofoegbu is facing charges under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024, as well as provisions of the Criminal Code Act relating to cyberstalking, identity theft and criminal defamation.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant published false reports claiming Governor Soludo had disowned his son, Ozonna, fabricated statements allegedly made by the governor’s son against his father, and circulated reports of a purported drinking competition involving the governor and a federal minister.
During the hearing, prosecution counsel urged the court to remand the defendant at the Awka Correctional Centre pending further legal action.
In his ruling, Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter and ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for further action.
The magistrate advised the defendant to seek bail before the High Court in Awka.
Although Ofoegbu has reportedly issued a public apology and retracted the disputed publications, the court held that legal proceedings would continue.
The matter was adjourned to July 27, 2026, for a status report and further proceedings.
