Popular Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja following her re-arraignment on cyberstalking charges by the Nigeria Police Force.
The actress was re-arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on a seven-count amended charge filed by the office of the Inspector General of Police. The charges are based on alleged offences of cyberstalking, which fall under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
During the court session, Okorie pleaded not guilty to all seven counts read to her. The charges relate to alleged online actions which the prosecution claims violated the law. Details of the specific allegations were not fully discussed in open court at this stage, as the trial has not yet begun.
After the plea was taken, counsel to the prosecution requested a short adjournment to allow the state to properly open its case and prepare witnesses. The defence did not oppose this request.
Counsel to the actress then informed the court that a formal application for bail had been filed on behalf of the defendant. He urged the court to use its discretion in granting bail, arguing that Okorie is a public figure who would not evade trial.
However, the prosecution opposed the bail application. According to the prosecuting lawyer, the actress had earlier been granted administrative bail by the police but failed to comply with its conditions.
The prosecution told the court that Okorie allegedly jumped bail, adding that efforts to produce her sureties were unsuccessful. The police later re-arrested her in order to bring her before the court for arraignment.
The prosecution further argued that the offences alleged against the defendant carry jail terms ranging from three to five years, and that this increased the risk of the defendant failing to appear for trial if granted bail.
In response, defence counsel disagreed with the claims made by the prosecution. He told the court that Okorie did not jump bail as alleged, but had travelled for medical check-ups. According to him, the police were duly informed of her movements and were aware of her health situation.
He urged the court to consider her right to personal liberty and the fact that she had shown willingness to face trial. He also assured the court that the actress would be available whenever her presence was required.
After listening to both parties, Justice Emeka Nwite delivered a brief ruling on the bail application. The judge granted bail to the actress in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in the same amount.
The court also set strict conditions for the bail. The surety must be a civil servant on Grade Level 13 or above and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. The residence of the surety will be verified by court officials.
In addition, both the defendant and the surety are required to deposit their passport photographs with the court registry as part of the bail conditions.
Justice Nwite warned that failure to meet any of the bail conditions could lead to the revocation of the bail and possible re-arrest of the defendant.
The matter was then adjourned to March 23 for the commencement of trial.
Angela Okorie is a well-known actress and singer in the Nigerian entertainment industry. She has featured in several Nollywood films and has a large following on social media. In recent years, some celebrities have faced legal challenges related to online conduct, as authorities step up enforcement of the Cybercrimes Act.
Cyberstalking offences in Nigeria often involve the use of electronic communication to harass, threaten, or defame individuals. Under the law, such offences attract penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the nature of the case.
As the case moves to trial, the court is expected to hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defence before reaching a final decision.
For now, Angela Okorie remains free on bail as she prepares to defend herself against the charges when the trial resumes later in March.