The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has filed a six-count criminal charge against a female social media activist, God’sown Monday Udoito, at the State High Court over alleged “criminal defamation, threats, publication of false information, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Uyo on Thursday.
Udoito is a well-known activist and campaigner for the rights of the Ekid people in matters relating to ancestral lands within the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.
According to the commissioner, the charges stemmed from a petition dated January 10, 2026, alleging that the defendant, through her Facebook account, “Princess God’sown Udoito,” which reportedly has over 20,000 followers, published and circulated false, misleading, defamatory and threatening statements and videos.
Azare said police investigations showed that the defendant allegedly accused His Excellency, Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, of illegally selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area to private individuals and diverting the proceeds.
He said, “Further investigations revealed that the publications also allegedly contained threats, including references to the use of ‘juju’ and ancestral forces, as well as content capable of inciting fear, panic, public disorder, and unrest, particularly within Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.”
Meanwhile, the activist is facing charges bordering on conspiracy to commit criminal defamation, criminal defamation, publication of defamatory material with intent to intimidate, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, threats capable of causing fear and public disturbance, and publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm.
“The offences are contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 39, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and the Internal Security and Enforcement Law, Cap. 73, Vol. 4, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022,” the Commissioner said.
He further stated, “The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it does not extend to the dissemination of falsehoods, defamatory material, threats, or any conduct capable of undermining public peace and security.
“Members of the public, particularly users of social media platforms, are hereby warned that the use of online platforms to spread false information, issue threats, incite violence, or cause public disorder will attract the full weight of the law.”
The commissioner assured members of the public that the case would be thoroughly prosecuted in line with due process and the rule of law, while also ensuring that the fundamental rights of the defendant are fully respected.
He also advised citizens to verify information before sharing it and to seek redress through lawful and appropriate channels.
According to the police, Udoito has been remanded in correctional custody after she pleaded not guilty to the charges.
