The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 12 for the arraignment of two women, Nkiru Favour Ulasi and Ogechukwu Angela, accused of allegedly spreading false claims that Mrs. Uju Akubueze killed her husband's first wife. The case was initially set to proceed on October 7, but the defendants were absent, prompting Justice Binta Nyako to adjourn the matter.
The prosecution, led by John Ijagbemi of the Directorate of Legal Services, Zone 7 Police Headquarters, Abuja, has filed a three-count charge against the defendants. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/511/2026, relates to alleged cyberbullying, defamation, threats, false information, and cyberstalking. According to the prosecution, the defendants used WhatsApp and TikTok platforms between March and April 2026 to circulate videos, photographs, and WhatsApp conversations containing misinformation against Akubueze.
The defendants are accused of deliberately and intentionally transmitting materials in various forms and at different dates and times, falsely accusing Uju Peter Akubueze of killing her husband's first wife and labelling her an HIV carrier without justification. They are also accused of publishing abusive messages through their WhatsApp and TikTok platforms with the alleged intention of bullying, threatening, defaming, and harassing Akubueze and members of her family.
The prosecution maintains that the information published by the defendants was known to be false and that the alleged offences contravene provisions of Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The court has adjourned the matter until November 12 for the defendants to be arraigned.
The case has garnered attention due to the severity of the allegations and the increasing concerns about cyberbullying and online harassment in Nigeria. The Inspector-General of Police and the Directorate of Legal Services are taking a firm stance against such offences, emphasizing the need for accountability in online activities.
Justice Binta Nyako's decision to adjourn the case to November 12 allows both parties to prepare for the arraignment. The defence lawyer, Pascal Nnaji, and the prosecution counsel, John Ijagbemi, were present in court, indicating that both sides are taking the matter seriously.
The outcome of this case may have implications for future cases involving cyberbullying and online harassment in Nigeria, and it will be closely watched by stakeholders in the legal and tech communities. The arraignment on November 12 will be a crucial step in determining the next course of action in this matter.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 12 for the arraignment of two women accused of spreading false claims against Uju Akubueze.
- The defendants are accused of cyberbullying, defamation, threats, false information, and cyberstalking under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
- The case highlights the growing concerns about online harassment and the need for accountability in online activities in Nigeria.
