By Ikpeama EmmanuelÂ
An online publisher, Ejike Ofoegbu, owner of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, has been remanded following his arraignment before a Magistrate Court in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, over allegations of cyberstalking and defamation involving Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and members of his family.
Ofoegbu was arraigned on Monday, July 13, 2026, on charges stemming from the alleged publication of fabricated and defamatory reports targeting Governor Soludo and his son, Ozonna.
According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly published false reports claiming that Governor Soludo had disowned his son, attributed disparaging remarks to Ozonna against his father, and circulated a report alleging that the governor participated in a drinking competition with a federal minister. Prosecutors argued that the publications were intended to attract online traffic and generate financial gain.
The prosecution filed the charges under relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, including Section 24(1)(b) on cyberstalking and Section 38 on identity theft, as amended in 2024. The defendant also faces charges under Sections 373 and 375 of the Criminal Code Act relating to criminal defamation.
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During the court proceedings, counsel for the complainant, A.A. Nwanri, alongside the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, 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.
In her ruling, the presiding Magistrate, C.O. Ezekwere, held that the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter. She subsequently ordered that the case file be transmitted to the Anambra State Attorney General and Ministry of Justice for further legal action.
The court also advised the defendant to approach the High Court in Awka should he wish to apply for bail.
Although Ofoegbu had earlier issued a public apology and formally retracted the disputed publications, the prosecution indicated that the criminal proceedings would continue.
The matter was adjourned to July 27, 2026, for a status report and further proceedings.
