The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of a journalist, Stanley Ugagbe, in Kuje Correctional Centre, for allegedly defaming the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governor in charge of Operations, Emem Usoro.
The presiding judge, Justice Salim Ibrahim, gave the order after Ugagbe was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge preferred against him by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The police charged Ugagbe and Fejiro Oliver, fondly called Oghenetega Oghenedoro, who is currently at large, with cyberstalking, false publication, cyberbullying, and defamation.
The prosecution said the publication was “falsely and intentionally made to harm the hard earned reputation of CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro,” contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 (as amended) 2024.
Earlier, the IGP’s lawyer, K.P. Ebong, informed the court that the matter was slated for the arraignment of the journalist.
The defence counsel, Adekunle Olanipekun, did not oppose Ebong’s application.
After the charge was read to him, Ugagbe pleaded not guilty to all the six counts.
The prosecution counsel then applied for a trial date in order to open their case against the defendant.
Responding, Olanipekun, who did not object, informed the court of their bail application.
But the judge said he was yet to see the application.
Olanipekun stated that the bail application was just brought into the court through the court registry.
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Responding, Ebong said he was just served the motion prior to the commencement of the case.
The lawyer, who indicated his interest to respond to the process, added that the bail application was not ripe for hearing.
Justice Ibrahim consequently adjourned the matter until September 24, 2026, for trial.
The judge ordered the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are in court in the next adjourned date.
In count two, Ugagbe and Oliiver were alleged to have published a report, “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro hides N1.4 Billion California Luxury Condo in Asset Declaration Scandal.”
Police said the publication was falsely produced for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order.
Police also accused the defendants of publishing a report, “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro linked to N3.6 BN Los Angeles Property amidst questions over Asset Declaration Compliance.”
The prosecution said the publication was intentionally made to bully, threaten, or harass Usoro.
In count five, the defendants were alleged to have published “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”
Police said the offence is contrary to Section 391 and punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act.