“My Facebook Account Was Hacked,” Ebonyi Social Media Critic Tells Court as Magistrate Orders His Remand
A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday ordered the remand of a social media critic, Mr. Polycarp Obinna Alegu, over alleged defamation of the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Prof. Grace Umezurike. Mr. Alegu, 36, was arraigned before Magistrate Court 1, Abakaliki, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Onyibe, on a two-count charge bordering on criminal defamation and cybercrime. According to the charge marked MAB/7c/2026, the defendant allegedly made a false, malicious, and defamatory publication against the SSG on December 16, 2025, through social media. In Count One, the prosecution alleged that Mr. Alegu published defamatory content against Prof. Umezurike, an offence said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 375(A) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Count Two accused him of knowingly and intentionally making a false and defamatory publication on Facebook against the SSG, contrary ...