14th February, 2024
By Christian Ogbonnna
A Magistrate’s Court in Abakaliki has remanded Chika Nwoba, a former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party ((PDP) in Ebonyi, in the Correctional centre for alleged defamation.
Nwoba, a social media handler, who appeared in court on Tuesday, is facing a three count charge of conspiracy, false publication and defamation.
The Prosecutor, ASP Chinagorom Eze, told the court that the defendant was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 11.
He was arrested following a petition by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ebonyi State, Mr Oguzor Offia-Nwali.
“That you Nwoba Chika, ‘m’ and others now at large on the Feb. 6 at Abakaliki, within the Jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit:
“Threat to Life, Publishing False Information and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 A (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33 Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009,” the Prosecutor stated.
Mr C.N Ufufu, Counsel to Nwoba, put in a bail application, stating that the offences were bailable.
The prosecutor, Eze, therefore, opposed the bail application, adding that the supreme court had already ruled that the Police officer did not need formal permission to prosecute such matter.
The Magistrate, Mrs Lilian Ogodo, said the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter and referred it to the high court.
Ogodo adjourned the matter to March 1, 2024.