13th March, 2025
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Four bloggers facing cyberstalking charges over publications against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Segun Agbaje, have regained their freedom following a settlement agreement with the bank.
At the Federal High Court in Lagos, the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Ajibola Aribisala, informed the court of GTCO’s decision to pardon the bloggers and withdraw the charges.
The court, presided over by Justice Ayokunle Faji, consequently struck out the case.
The defendants—Precious Eze (38), Olawale Rotimi (47), Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—had been charged under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act for allegedly disseminating false information about GTCO and its leadership.
The police had accused them of publishing defamatory articles, including allegations of financial misconduct and nepotism, intended to cause harm to Agbaje’s reputation.
Chief Aribisala told the court that after multiple appeals, including intervention from the Nigerian Guild of Editors, GTCO had agreed to an out-of-court resolution.
He explained that the defendants acknowledged their wrongdoing, committed to making amends, and signed a settlement agreement that included publishing unreserved apologies in three national newspapers.
“The defendants have demonstrated remorse, agreed to restitute, and pledged to refrain from publishing misleading or malicious content,” Aribisala stated.
“Given this, we urge the court to recognise the terms of settlement, allowing them to return to their families after six months in custody.”
Defence counsel A.O. Afolabi confirmed that the defendants had voluntarily signed the agreement and did not object to the charge withdrawal.
In his ruling, Justice Faji approved the settlement terms and directed all parties to comply, officially striking out the case.
The case stemmed from an amended charge filed on September 26, 2024, in which the police alleged that the bloggers conspired to commit cyberstalking by publishing false reports linking GTCO’s leadership to financial misconduct.
The prosecution argued that their actions contravened Sections 24(1)(b) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act.
