A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has ordered the remand of a social media critic, Mr. Polycap Obinna Alegu, over alleged defamatory publications against the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Mrs. Grace Umezurike.
Alegu, aged 36, was arraigned before Magistrate Court I, presided over by Chief Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Onyibe, on a two-count charge bordering on criminal defamation and cybercrime.
According to the charge marked MAB/7c/2026, Alegu allegedly published false and malicious content on his Facebook account on December 16, 2025, targeting the SSG. The first count is said to be contrary to Section 375(A) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, while the second count allegedly violates Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act.
During proceedings, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Sunday Ununu, challenged the authority of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to institute the case, arguing that only the Attorney General of the Federation could initiate criminal prosecution. The court, however, dismissed the objection, ruling that the NSCDC is legally empowered to prosecute matters on behalf of the AGF.
Alegu pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that his Facebook accounts were hacked and that he did not author the alleged defamatory posts.
While the defence applied for bail, citing the availability of credible sureties, counsel to the NSCDC, Mrs. Linda Akam, opposed the application on jurisdictional grounds. The Magistrate held that a prima facie case had been established and ordered that the defendant be remanded.
The court further directed that the case file be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice for legal advice. The matter was adjourned to January 26, 2026, for a report of compliance.