Four journalists have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of cyberstalking and attempting to extort the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank).
The four accused journalists are Precious Eze, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of News Platform; Olawale Rotimi, Managing Director of National Monitor; Rowland Olonishuwa, Editor of News Hob Mag!; and Seun Odunlami, Website Administrator of newsjaunts.com.
Their case was brought to court after an investigation led by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) following a petition from Country Hill Attorneys and Solicitors, representing GTBank.
According to the police, the journalists used their online platforms to publish false and defamatory content about the bank and its executives. The publications allegedly targeted GTBank and its Group Executive Officer, causing significant reputational damage to the financial institution.
The police also stated that after being informed that their publications were false, the accused demanded financial compensation from GTBank. This, they claim, amounts to an attempt at extortion.
A statement from the police spokesperson, SP Eyitayo Johnson, confirmed the arraignment, outlining that the journalists were charged with cyberstalking and extortion after a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The investigation established allegations of cyberstalking and attempted extortion against the journalists who, while using their various online platforms, published false, malicious, and defamatory news items,” Johnson said in the statement.
The incident has drawn sharp attention to the growing concerns over the responsibilities of journalists and social media users in Nigeria. The police urged the public to uphold professional standards and avoid spreading unverified information.
Commissioner of Police, Godwin Ayotunde Omodeinde, warned journalists to be cautious when publishing news, urging them to adhere to ethical guidelines.
“We must respect professional standards and the rule of law. I advise journalists and social media users to avoid publishing unverified content and adhere to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act 2015,” Omodeinde said.
At the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Ayokunle Faji ordered that the accused journalists be remanded in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Ikoyi. This decision came after the journalists were arraigned in connection with the criminal charges.
Their bail applications will be heard at a later date.
The case has sparked debate across the media industry, with some defending the journalists, claiming their actions were part of holding powerful institutions accountable. Others, however, have raised concerns over the legal and ethical boundaries of investigative journalism.
Legal experts have pointed out that cyberstalking and extortion are serious offenses under Nigerian law. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015 criminalizes online activities that harm individuals or organizations, including the publication of false information with malicious intent.
The case also highlights the risks associated with online platforms where news can quickly spread, sometimes without proper verification. With increasing numbers of Nigerians using social media for news consumption, the need for responsible journalism has never been more critical.
The development comes at a time when the role of the press in holding both public and private institutions accountable is being closely scrutinized in Nigeria.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and whether this will serve as a warning to journalists and online media outlets to be more cautious in their reporting.
