Journalist Sent to Kuje Prison as Cybercrime Trial Begins

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of journalist, Stanley Ugagbe, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of defaming the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in charge of Operations, Emem Usoro.

Justice Salim Ibrahim issued the order after Ugagbe was arraigned on a six-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The journalist pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include cyberstalking, false publication, cyberbullying and defamation. A second defendant, Fejiro Oliver, also known as Oghenetega Oghenedoro, is currently at large.
According to the prosecution, the publications were deliberately made to damage the reputation of the CBN Deputy Governor, contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. Prosecuting counsel K.P. Ebong informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment, while defence counsel Adekunle Olanipekun did not object. After Ugagbe entered his plea, the prosecution sought a trial date, while the defence drew the court’s attention to a pending bail application.
Justice Ibrahim noted that the bail application had only just been filed and served on the prosecution, making it unripe for hearing. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 24, 2026, for trial and directed the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are present on the next adjourned date. Ugagbe was ordered to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
Among the charges, the police alleged that the defendants published reports claiming that CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro concealed ownership of a N1.4 billion luxury condominium in California and was linked to a N3.6 billion property in Los Angeles, describing the reports as false and intended to cause public disorder and harass the official. Another count accused the defendants of publishing a report alleging misconduct in Usoro’s personal life, an offence the prosecution said is contrary to Section 391 and punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act.