The Federal High Court in Lagos has set October 14 as the date to rule on the bail applications of four journalists accused by the police of publishing false information about Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje.
Justice Ayokunle Faji scheduled the date after hearing arguments from the police prosecutor, Emmanuel Jackson, and the defense counsel, O.A. Afolabi, regarding the bail requests for the defendants.
The four journalists—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—were arraigned on charges of cyberstalking and spreading false information. According to the police’s Special Fraud Unit in Lagos, the defendants allegedly conspired in August 2024 to commit cyberstalking, an offence under Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.
The police claimed the journalists used social media and other online platforms to disseminate false messages aimed at insulting or causing criminal intimidation and harm to Segun Agbaje. Some of the publications included claims like “EFCC, FRI’s storms GTBanks over Segun Agbaje’s N1 trillion scam” and “Whistle Blowers expose Segun Agbaje Nepotism, power play, enrich him and sister, Kofo Dosekunni,” which the police said were designed to cause unnecessary anxiety and ill-will.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During Thursday’s hearing, defense lawyer Afolabi requested that the court grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that the charges were bailable. However, the prosecutor Jackson opposed the request, citing concerns that the defendants were flight risks and could interfere with evidence.
After considering the arguments, Justice Faji adjourned the case to October 14 for a ruling on the bail applications and ordered that the defendants remain in custody until then.