By Ayomide Otitoju
An online publisher, Ejike Ofoegbu, was on Monday arraigned before an Amawbia Magistrate Court in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State over allegations of publishing false and defamatory reports against Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.
Ofoegbu, who operates under the banners of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, is accused of disseminating fabricated reports allegedly aimed at damaging the reputation of the governor and his son, Ozonna Soludo.
According to the prosecution, the defendant published unverified claims, including allegations that Governor Soludo had disowned his son, attributed false statements to Ozonna against his father, and reported a fictitious drinking contest involving the governor and a federal minister.
The prosecution said the publications were intended to generate online traffic and financial gain through the spread of false information.
Ofoegbu is being prosecuted under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, including offences bordering on cyberstalking and identity theft, as well as Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act relating to criminal defamation.
During the proceedings, counsel to the complainant, A.A. Nwanri, appeared alongside the Chief Security Officer to the governor, CSP O.K. Nkuma, and Inspector Tochukwu Echemagu of the State Criminal Investigation Department, who urged the court to remand the defendant at the Awka Correctional Centre.
Presiding Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere ruled that the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter and ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Anambra State Attorney General and Ministry of Justice for further legal action.
The magistrate also directed the defendant to approach the High Court in Awka if he wished to apply for bail.
Although Ofoegbu had earlier issued a public apology and retracted the disputed publications, the prosecution said the criminal proceedings would continue.
The case was adjourned until July 27, 2026, for a status report and further proceedings.
