Pic: The suspect
By Christian Aburime
An online publisher, Ejike Ofoegbu, operator of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, was on Monday, July 13, 2026, arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State over the alleged publication of fabricated and defamatory reports.
Ofoegbu is accused of orchestrating what prosecutors described as a sustained campaign of misinformation targeting Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and members of his family, particularly his son, Ozonna Soludo.
According to the prosecution, the defendant authored and circulated false and malicious reports, allegedly crafted to attract online traffic and generate financial gains through sensationalism.
Among the publications cited were claims that Governor Soludo had disowned his son, fabricated remarks purportedly made by Ozonna against his father, and reports alleging a fictitious drinking contest involving the governor and a federal minister.
The prosecution is relying on provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, including Section 24(1)(b) on cyberstalking and Section 38 on identity theft, as amended by the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The defendant also faces charges under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act, bordering on criminal defamation.
During the proceedings, counsel to the complainant, A.A. Nwanri, alongside the Governor’s Chief Security Officer, CSP O.K. Nkuma, and Inspector Tochukwu Echemagu of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), urged the court to remand the defendant at the Awka Correctional Centre pending further legal action.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate C.O. Ezekwere held that the Magistrate Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter. He consequently ordered that the original case file and proceedings be transmitted to the Anambra State Attorney General and Ministry of Justice for necessary action.
The magistrate further advised the defendant to approach the High Court in Awka should he wish to seek bail.
Although Ofoegbu had earlier issued a public apology and formally retracted the disputed publications, the prosecution insisted that the criminal proceedings would continue, maintaining that the offences alleged carry serious legal consequences.
The matter was adjourned to July 27, 2026, for a status report on compliance and further directives.
Tags: Anambra, Soludo, Cybercrime, Defamation, Court
