Court Remands Blogger Ugagbe in Kuje Prison Over Alleged Defamation of CBN Deputy Governor

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of blogger Stanley Ugagbe at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned over alleged defamatory publications against the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro.

Justice Salim Ibrahim issued the remand order on Tuesday shortly after Ugagbe was brought before the court on a six-count charge filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police.

Ugagbe, who is the publisher of online platform Secret Reporters, pleaded not guilty to the charges, which border on alleged cybercrime, defamation and unlawful publications.

The police accused Ugagbe and another individual, Fejiro Oliver, also known as Oghenetega Oghenedoro, who is currently said to be at large, of publishing materials on the website targeting Usoro.

Among the publications cited by the prosecution was a report titled: “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”

The police alleged that the publication was false and deliberately made to damage the reputation of the CBN official, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

Another count accused the defendants of publishing allegations relating to an alleged $1.4 billion California luxury property and questions surrounding asset declaration by the CBN Deputy Governor.

The prosecution also cited another publication alleging links between Usoro and a $3.6 billion Los Angeles property, claiming the materials were intended to bully, threaten or harass her.

The police told the court that the publications were capable of causing reputational damage and could potentially disrupt public order.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel K.P. Ebong requested a date for trial after the defendant entered his plea.

Ugagbe’s lawyer, Adekunle Olanipekun, informed the court that a bail application had been filed and was ready for hearing.

However, Justice Ibrahim said he had only recently received the application and needed time to study it before taking arguments from the defence.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 24 for trial and directed the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are present on the next hearing date.

The police had filed the charges against Ugagbe and Oliver, alleging offences under the Cybercrimes Act and relevant provisions of the Penal Code Act.

Ugagbe’s remand will remain in effect pending further proceedings, including the determination of his bail application and commencement of trial.