Nkechinyere Ewa
Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki Ebonyi state has arraigned and remanded one Chinagwo Paul Nweke over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation of the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah.
According to Charge Sheet No. MAB/616C/2025, the defendant is accused of committing offences punishable under Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State (2009), and Sections 24(2)(a) and 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, 2015 (as amended).
The charge sheet alleged that Nweke and others still at large, “sometime in October at Abakaliki, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst themselves to commit a felony to wit: 516A(a) of the Criminal Code.”
It further alleged that the defendant “transmitted a live broadcast via the Facebook account of Amarachi Nweke, placing Comrade Chinedu Ogah in fear of death, violence and bodily harm,” and that he “intentionally transmitted a live broadcast containing threats capable of harming the reputation of Comrade Ogah by accusing him of a crime.”
When the matter came up for hearing, Magistrate Sandra Onyibe declined jurisdiction, ruling that the Magistrate Court is not empowered to try offences under the Cybercrimes Act.
She ordered that the case file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
The case was thereafter adjourned to December 9, 2025, for a report of compliance.
Speaking to journalists, counsel to the complainant, Uchenna Collins Egba, said the arraignment was part of due process.“Well, it’s just a course of justice. If an allegation is made against any defendant, the police must do their job, and finally arraign the defendant, just as they have done,” he said.
He explained that although the defendant, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, had been remanded, the court made it clear that it lacked the jurisdiction to try offences under cybercrime laws.
“It is only the High Court specifically the Federal High Court that has jurisdiction over cybercrime matters. That is why the Magistrate Court declined jurisdiction. But he still has the right to apply for bail at the High Court,” Egba stated.
He added that the adjournment was to allow the Attorney General’s office to vet the case file and determine the next steps.
“Every two weeks, the case will appear for a report of compliance to know whether the Attorney General has done the needful,” he said.
During the proceedings, defence counsel Cyprine Udu made an oral bail application for his client, but it was opposed by the prosecutor, Eberechukwu Obi.