By SCM Staff Writer I Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025
AWKA, Anambra – The Magistrate Court I, sitting in Awka, the Anambra State capital, has granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million to a civil servant, Mr. Ikenna Ezeume, who is standing trial over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation.
The case, titled Inspector General of Police v. Ikenna Ezeume and numbered MAN/336/C, was heard before the Senior Magistrate I, Mrs. O. N. Ike. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge read to him in open court.
Counsel to the defendant, A. C. Nwogbo, Esq., applied orally for bail, urging the court to exercise its discretion in favor of his client. However, the prosecution counsel, Barrister Okongwu Jideofor, opposed the bail application, arguing that the defendant had continued to make publications on social media concerning the matter while police investigations were ongoing.
He contended that releasing the accused on bail might enable him to continue making prejudicial or defamatory online statements.
In response, Mr. Nwogbo argued that his client was never invited for questioning by the Zone 13 Police Command and that the prosecution’s assertions were unfounded.
He further submitted that since the matter was now before the court, the magistrate had the authority to impose conditions restraining the defendant from further online publications related to the case.
After hearing both parties, Magistrate Ike granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) with one suitable surety. The court cautioned Mr. Ezeume against making any further publications on social media concerning the matter, warning that any violation of this order could lead to his remand in custody.
According to the charge sheet marked MAN/336/C, the defendant is facing two counts, summarized as follows:
Count I:That you, Ikenna Ezeume, between the 1st day of March 2025 and the 31st day of April 2025, within the Awka South Magisterial District, did publish a defamatory matter on the Internet and other social media platforms such as WhatsApp, alleging that one Barrister Okongwu Jideofor (m), Chairman Emeritus of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aniocha Branch, forged his WAEC result, which he allegedly used to study law at the Delta State University. You thereby published a statement you knew to be false, intending to injure his reputation and expose him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule, contrary to and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, as amended.
Count II:
That you, Ikenna Ezeume (m), of Plot 2A, Green Ville Estate, Awka, on or about the 20th day of March 2025, within the Awka Magisterial District, did knowingly provide false information to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, through a written petition dated 20th March 2025. In the said petition, you falsely alleged that Barrister Okongwu Jideofor (m), Chairman Emeritus of the NBA, Aniocha Branch, forged his WAEC certificate used in obtaining his law degree from Delta State University, with intent to cause the AIG to direct Sgt. Chidioke Alaeffia of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Zone 13, Ukpo, to act upon the false information to the detriment of the said Barrister Jideofor.
This act is contrary to and punishable under Section 154(1)(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended.
During the proceedings, the defendant complained that the complainant, Barrister Okongwu Jideofor, was recording a video of him while he was in the dock. The complainant denied the allegation, describing it as untrue. The magistrate, however, ruled that if any image or video of the defendant in court later surfaces online anywhere, Jideofor would be held responsible as contempt of court.
The matter was adjourned to 17th for continuation of hearing.
