A 40-year-old businessman, Ikenna Ezeume, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, for allegedly publishing defamatory statements online against a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Aniocha Branch, Barrister Okongwu Jideofor.
Ezeume was arraigned on two counts bordering on cyberbullying and defamation in a case filed by the police with charge number MAN/336/C.
According to the charge sheet, Ezeume was accused of publishing false information on WhatsApp and other social media platforms between March and April 2025, alleging that Jideofor forged his WAEC certificate used to gain admission to study law at Delta State University.
The prosecution said the publication was intended to damage Jideofor’s reputation and expose him to public ridicule, which is punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code of Anambra State.
Ezeume was also accused of submitting a false petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, claiming that Jideofor forged his academic credentials. The police said the act was a deliberate attempt to mislead law enforcement officers, contrary to Section 154(1)(b) of the state’s criminal laws.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His lawyer, A.C. Nwogbo, asked the court to grant him bail, arguing that the allegations were unfounded and that his client had not been invited for questioning by the police.
However, the prosecution counsel, ASP Clement Iyah, opposed the bail request, stating that the defendant had continued making social media posts about the case, which could influence public opinion and obstruct justice.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate O.N. Ike granted Ezeume bail in the sum of N1 million with one surety.
The court also warned him against making further online publications about the case, adding that any breach of the order could lead to his remand in custody.
The matter was adjourned to a later date for further hearing.
