An Ebonyi Magistrate Court in Abakaliki has ordered the remand of a 43-year-old lawyer, Igwe Nwalo Johnson, in a correctional facility over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation against Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives for Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency.
According to the charge sheet, marked MAB/616C/2025 and filed by the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Johnson and an unidentified accomplice allegedly conspired in October 2025 to engage in criminal activities involving cyberbullying.
Led by Barrister Eze Chinagorom Ndubuisi of the Police Directorate of Legal Services in Abakaliki, the prosecution accused Johnson of conspiracy to commit cyberbullying, an offence punishable under Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
He further alleged that Johnson transmitted a live Facebook broadcast via the account of Amarachi Nweke, which purportedly placed Ogah in fear of death, violence, and bodily harm, contrary to Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015, as amended.
The prosecution also accused Johnson of broadcasting content intended to damage Ogah’s reputation by falsely accusing him of a crime, in violation of Section 24(2)(c) of the same Act.
During proceedings, Johnson’s counsel, Barrister Kelvin Nwafor, requested that the case be transferred to the Federal High Court, arguing that the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction. He also sought bail for his client.
The Magistrate, Sandra Oyibe, emphasized the constitutional protections governing remand proceedings, noting that while bail could be considered, the ongoing remand must continue.
The court adjourned the case to 22nd December 2025 for further hearing of the bail application.
