Magistrate Court Remands Man For Cyberbullying, Defamation of Member Representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency

By Alex Odeh

A Magistrate Court convened in Abakaliki has arraigned and remanded one Chinagwo Paul Nweke for charges of cyberbullying and defamation against the esteemed Honourable member representing the Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah.

According to Charge Sheet No. MAB/616c/2025, the accused committed an offence punishable under Section 516 A (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

“That you, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, and others now at large, did conspire amongst yourselves on or about October in Abakaliki, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, to commit a felony, to wit: Section 516 A (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 3 Vol:, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.

“That you, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, and others now at large, did transmit a live broadcast via the Facebook account of Amarachi Nweke, thereby placing the said Comrade Chinedu Ogah in fear of death, violence, and bodily harm, thus committing an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition Prevention) Act 2015, as amended.

“That you, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, on the same date and in the aforementioned magisterial district, did intentionally transmit a live broadcast via the Facebook account of Amarachi Nweke, which contained threats to harm the reputation of Comrade Chinedu Ogah, whom you accused of a crime in the said broadcast, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition Prevention) Act 2015, as amended.”

When the case was brought before the court, Magistrate Sandra Onyibe declined jurisdiction over the matter.

She directed that the case file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further guidance.

Meanwhile, Cyprian Udu, counsel for the defendant, sought bail for his client, a request opposed by the prosecutor, Ebere Chukwu.

The case has been adjourned to December 9, 2025, for further proceedings, with the accused remanded in prison custody.

In a discussion with the press, counsel for the complainant, Uchenna Collins Egba, elucidated that the accused retains the right to appeal and emphasized that the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter.

“Well, it is simply a matter of justice. If an allegation is made against any defendant, as in the case of Chinagwo Paul Nweke, the police must fulfill their duties. Ultimately, they should arraign the defendant, as they have just done.

“The defendant is Chinagwo Paul Nweke, while the nominal complainant is Comrade Chinedu Ogah in this matter. The court lacks jurisdiction; however, it is essential to note that in matters pertaining to cybercrime laws and this prohibition aspect, the Magistrate Court is not empowered to entertain such cases.

“Only the High Court or the Federal High Court possesses the requisite jurisdiction in such matters. Consequently, the Magistrate Court is unable to preside over this case, which led to the remand of the defendant. He has also been apprised of his right to appeal at the High Court for bail, as bail is generally at the court’s discretion.

“Nonetheless, it is vital to recognize that certain offenses are not triable by specific courts, while others are. In this instance, the offense with which the defendant is charged cannot be adjudicated by the Magistrate Court. This understanding underpinned the ruling that resulted in his remand.

“However, he should be aware that he still possesses the right to seek bail at the High Court. The matter is adjourned for what we refer to as a report of compliance, as the court has ordered that the entire inventory of this case file be transmitted to the Honourable Attorney General’s Office for vetting and to determine the next steps.

“This matter will be adjourned in accordance with the law for compliance in two weeks. Every two weeks, this case will be revisited so that the presiding Magistrate can ascertain whether the Honourable Attorney General has undertaken the necessary vetting of the court case files.