Court remands journalist over alleged defamation of CBN deputy governor

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of journalist Stanley Ugagbe at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned on charges bordering on alleged cyberstalking, false publication, cyberbullying and defamation involving Emem Usoro, deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in charge of Operations.

Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered the remand after Ugagbe pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

A second defendant, Fejiro Oliver, also known as Oghenetega Oghenedoro, is listed in the charge but remains at large.

According to the prosecution, the defendants published false and defamatory materials intended to damage the reputation of the CBN deputy governor, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

At the commencement of proceedings, prosecution counsel K.P. Ebong informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and that the prosecution was ready to proceed. Defence counsel Adekunle Olanipekun did not oppose the application.

Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, which the defence did not contest.

Olanipekun, however, drew the court’s attention to a bail application that had been filed on behalf of his client and indicated his readiness to proceed if the court considered it convenient.

Justice Ibrahim noted that the application had not yet been brought to his attention. The defence acknowledged that the motion had only recently been filed through the court registry.

Ebong, who confirmed he had just been served with the application before the proceedings commenced, requested time to file a response, arguing that the application was not ripe for hearing.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 24 for trial and directed the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are present on the adjourned date.

Among the charges, the prosecution alleged that the defendants published reports claiming that Usoro concealed ownership of a luxury property in California worth N1.4 billion and was linked to a separate N3.6 billion property in Los Angeles, despite questions over her asset declaration compliance.

The prosecution further alleged that the publications were false and intended to undermine public order, as well as to bully, threaten or harass the CBN official.

Another count relates to a publication alleging misconduct in Usoro’s personal life. The prosecution said the allegation constitutes criminal defamation under Sections 391 and 392 of the Penal Code Act.

Ugagbe has denied all six counts, and the case is scheduled to proceed to trial in September.