A Magistrate Court in Abakaliki has ordered the remand of a 43-year-old lawyer, Igwe Nwalo Johnson, following allegations that he orchestrated a cyberbullying campaign and broadcast defamatory content against Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the member representing Ikwo and Ezza South in the House of Representatives.
The ruling has stirred strong reactions across Ebonyi State, where the case has drawn public attention due to the high profile of the complainant and the nature of the charges.
According to the case filed by the Commissioner of Police under charge number MAB/616C/2025, Johnson and unnamed associates allegedly conspired in October 2025 to commit criminal acts through coordinated online attacks. The prosecution, led by Barrister Eze Chinagorom Ndubuisi of the Police Directorate of Legal Services, said Johnson violated Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code by engaging in a conspiracy that involved cyberbullying.
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The State further alleged that Johnson used a live Facebook broadcast through the account of one Amarachi Nweke to issue statements that placed Hon. Ogah in fear of death, violence and physical harm, acts said to be contrary to Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act of 2015. He was also accused of circulating content aimed at damaging the lawmaker’s reputation by falsely linking him to criminal activity, which falls under Section 24(2)(c) of the Act.
During the hearing, defence counsel Barrister Kelvin Nwafor challenged the competence of the Magistrate Court to preside over the matter and sought the transfer of the case to the Federal High Court. He also applied for bail, insisting that the allegations were better suited for trial under federal jurisdiction.
Magistrate Sandra Oyibe acknowledged the constitutional boundaries guiding remand proceedings. She held that although the court may later consider bail, the remand order remains in force as the case continues to progress. The matter has been adjourned to 22 December 2025 for further consideration of the bail application.
