A Magistrate Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has ordered the remand of a 43-year-old lawyer, Igwe Nwalo Johnson, over allegations of cyberbullying, criminal conspiracy, and defamation against a federal lawmaker, Hon. Chinedu Ogah. Ogah represents the Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The case, which has drawn public attention in the state, centres on a Facebook live broadcast allegedly transmitted by Johnson in October 2025. According to court documents, the broadcast was said to have caused fear, threatened violence, and damaged the reputation of the lawmaker.
The charges against Johnson were filed by the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police under case number MAB/616C/2025. The prosecution alleges that Johnson and another person, who is yet to be identified, conspired to commit cyberbullying. Conspiracy is punishable under Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33 Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, 2009.
The prosecutor, Barrister Eze Chinagorom Ndubuisi from the Directorate of Legal Services, Police Headquarters, Abakaliki, told the court that Johnson used the Facebook account of one Amarachi Nweke to broadcast the live video. The prosecution claims that the broadcast placed Hon. Ogah in fear of death, violence, and bodily harm. This offence, they said, violates Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act of 2015.
The prosecution further added that the same broadcast allegedly accused Ogah of a crime and was intended to damage his reputation. This forms the basis of another charge under Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrime Act, which prohibits online statements targeted at harming a person’s character.
The case comes at a time when Nigeria is witnessing a rise in cyberbullying, misinformation, and online defamation, fuelled by increased use of social media platforms. The Cyber Crimes Act of 2015 gives law enforcement agencies powers to investigate and prosecute individuals who use digital platforms to threaten, intimidate, or defame others.
In recent years, several politicians and public figures across Nigeria have turned to the courts to address allegations made against them online. Analysts say the situation highlights the tension between digital freedom and responsible use of social media.
In Ebonyi State, Hon. Ogah is a well-known political figure and a former member of the Presidential Committee on Prison Reforms. He has also been vocal on issues affecting his constituency. His supporters argue that the alleged broadcast could endanger his safety and mislead the public.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Johnson’s lawyer, Barrister Kelvin Nwafor, challenged the court’s authority to handle the case. He argued that cybercrime matters fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, not a Magistrate Court.
Nwafor told the court that since the charges were based on the Cyber Crimes Act, the matter should be transferred immediately to the Federal High Court where, according to him, the appropriate legal panel could hear the case. He also applied for bail, insisting that his client was a lawyer who would not interfere with investigations or jump bail.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the remand order was necessary to allow proper investigation, especially since the alleged co-conspirator had not yet been identified or arrested.
Magistrate Sandra Oyibe, who presided over the case, noted that the Nigerian Constitution provides certain protections for suspects in remand proceedings. She explained that although bail is a constitutional right in many cases, the court must also ensure that investigations are not obstructed, especially in matters involving public interest.
While acknowledging the defence’s argument regarding jurisdiction, Magistrate Oyibe maintained that the remand order would continue until the next court date. She emphasised that her ruling did not prevent the defence from presenting stronger arguments during the next hearing.
She then adjourned the case to December 22, 2025, when the bail application will be heard and other preliminary issues addressed.
The remand of a lawyer in a cyberbullying case has sparked conversations among legal practitioners, journalists, and civil society groups in Ebonyi and beyond. Some argue that the increasing use of the Cyber Crimes Act to address political disagreements could affect free speech, while others believe it is important to hold individuals accountable for harmful online statements.
For now, Igwe Nwalo Johnson remains in a correctional facility as investigations continue. The case is expected to draw further attention as it moves to the next legal stage, especially because it touches on the sensitive intersection between law, politics, and digital communication in Nigeria.
