Defamation Suit: Ebonyi Youths Warn Social Media Influencer Chika Nwoba Against Attempt To Scuttle Judicial Process, Defame Lawmaker

By Alex Odeh, Pan Afric Reporters

The Ebonyi South Youths Assembly (ESYA) has accused social media influencer, Nwoba Chika Nwoba, of attempting to divert the attention of the judiciary and discredit the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, over an ongoing defamation suit instituted against him.

In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Odii Njoku, the group described Nwoba’s recent social media publication on the court case as inflammatory, alleging that it contained falsehoods, reckless allegations, and contemptuous comments capable of undermining public confidence in the judiciary.

The group maintained that there was nothing unusual about Hon. Ogah sought legal redress, stressing that every citizen has a constitutional right to approach the courts whenever they believe their reputation has been damaged.

The youths’ assembly rejected what it described as allegations made by Nwoba against the federal lawmaker, alleging that the publication relied on insults, name-calling, and sweeping accusations without publicly verifiable evidence.

According to the group, public criticism of elected officials should be based on verifiable facts and objective assessment rather than inflammatory rhetoric capable of damaging reputations and deepening political divisions.

“The attention of the Ebonyi South Youths Assembly has been drawn to another inflammatory social media post by Mr. Nwoba Chika Nwoba concerning the defamation suit instituted against him by the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chinedu Ogah”.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored his habitual social media outbursts, but his latest publication contains falsehoods, reckless allegations, contemptuous comments against the judiciary, and deliberate attempts to malign a respected public office holder”.

“There is absolutely nothing unusual about a citizen seeking legal redress when he believes his reputation has been maliciously damaged. Litigation is a constitutional right, not an act of intimidation. Those who consistently publish defamatory statements should equally be prepared to defend them before competent courts instead of resorting to emotional propaganda on social media”.

“We unequivocally reject Mr. Chika Nwoba’s allegations against Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah. His publication is dominated by insults, name-calling, and sweeping accusations presented without publicly verifiable evidence. Public debate should be driven by facts and reason, not by emotion, hostility, or sensationalism”.

“It is unfortunate that instead of presenting credible evidence to support his claims, Mr. Nwoba chose to repeatedly describe a serving federal lawmaker with derogatory labels. Such conduct does not strengthen public accountability; rather, it diminishes the quality of democratic discourse and encourages division”.

“We remind Mr. Nwoba and his supporters that freedom of expression is not a licence to malign others or present allegations as established facts. Every citizen has the right to question public officials, but that right must be exercised responsibly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law”.

“Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah’s stewardship remains open to public scrutiny, as is the case with every elected official. However, any criticism of his performance should be based on verifiable facts, documented evidence, and objective assessment—not inflammatory rhetoric designed to damage reputations.”

The assembly further cautioned members of the public against accepting or sharing unverified claims circulating on social media, urging citizens to verify information before disseminating it.

On allegations concerning firearm possession allegedly made against Hon. Ogah, the group argued that such claims amounted to serious criminal allegations and should be reported to the appropriate security agencies with supporting evidence instead of being prosecuted on social media.

The statement also dismissed Nwoba’s allegation that Hon. Ogah previously attempted to frame him over the alleged sponsorship of criminal activities, describing the claim as a personal narrative that remains unsubstantiated by any judicial finding or credible evidence.

The group expressed concern over what it described as repeated attacks on the judiciary by Nwoba, stating that disagreements with court judgments should be addressed through the appellate process rather than through public attacks on judges and the judicial institution.

It referenced the judgment in the Chisom Acho case, arguing that if any party was dissatisfied with the outcome, the proper legal remedy remained an appeal rather than what it termed emotional blackmail against the courts.

The assembly further alleged that Nwoba’s repeated use of derogatory language against Hon. Ogah demonstrated why legal intervention had become necessary, insisting that democratic discourse should be guided by civility, facts, and responsible engagement.

Defending the lawmaker’s record, the group described Hon. Ogah as a respected public figure whose contributions to national development had earned recognition within and outside Ebonyi State. It noted that he is a graduate of Ebonyi State University, a master’s degree holder, and the recipient of several professional certificates.

The youths’ assembly also highlighted what it described as numerous constituency projects and empowerment programmes facilitated by the lawmaker, including the provision of boreholes, scholarships, youth employment opportunities, agricultural support, skills acquisition programmes, housing for widows, and empowerment through the provision of vehicles and tricycles.

The group claimed that many communities, including Nwoba’s own community, had benefited from Ogah’s constituency interventions.

The assembly challenged Nwoba to provide evidence regarding his educational background, community contributions, and other allegations it claimed had been made against him, including materials allegedly generated using artificial intelligence.

It urged him to respect the judicial process by defending himself in court rather than attempting to influence public opinion through social media campaigns.

The group also advised him to abandon what it described as the politics of bitterness and cyberbullying in favour of responsible civic engagement rooted in truth, evidence, and respect for constituted authority.

While acknowledging that no public official is above criticism, the assembly stressed that such criticism must be factual, responsible, and free from defamatory falsehoods.

The statement concluded by expressing confidence in the rule of law and the ability of the courts to determine the issues before them based on evidence rather than social media narratives.