AfriPulse
September 11, (THEWILL) — A Magistrate Court sitting in Yenagoa on Wednesday ordered the remand of the Head of Social Media of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Mr. Aye O.S. Egberi, at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre for 30 days over alleged cyberstalking.
Egberi was accused of publishing defamatory material against Governor Douye Diri, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa, Francis Idu, and senior officers of Zone 16, linking them to the July abduction of Justice Ebiyerim Umokoro of the State High Court.
According to the charge sheet before Magistrate Court 14, Egberi was arrested on Monday by operatives of Operation Puff Adder, led by CSP Chris Uwaogbo, on the directive of the Police Commissioner.
He allegedly used his Facebook account to circulate a post accusing top state officials of masterminding the kidnap.
Police Prosecutor, Japhet O. Japhet Esq., told the court that the publication was intended to “ridicule, mock, and target” the state governor, the police commissioner, and others, thereby posing a threat to their lives and families, and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The prosecutor prayed the court to remand the accused in custody, citing section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended in 2024), which prescribes a penalty of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of N25 million upon conviction.
He added that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, but sought Egberi’s remand pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Egberi, 37, who appeared remorseful in court, admitted that the post was made in ignorance and tendered an apology.
His counsel, C.S. Christian Esq., opposed the prosecution’s application, arguing that remand was unnecessary.
The matter took a political turn when the State Chairman of the APC, Barr. Dennis Otiotio, appeared in court.
The prosecutor immediately cautioned that the courtroom was not a political gathering, a remark which drew a rebuke from the presiding magistrate against the defence team.
In his ruling, Magistrate Stanley Ekeru, with suit number YMCA/747c/2025, upheld the prosecution’s application and ordered Egberi’s remand at the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre, pending further investigation.
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