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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday ordered that a blogger, Stanley Ugagbe, be remanded in Kuje Prison after he was arraigned on a charge alleging that he defamed Emem Usoro, a Deputy Governor in charge of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Justice Salim Ibrahim ordered Ugagbe’s remand shortly after his arraignment on Tuesday on six counts brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Ugagbe and Fejiro Oliver (aka Oghenetega Oghenedoro), who is said to be at large, are alleged to have, sometime in 2026, made a publication on their online platform: “www.SecretReporters.com.”
They were alleged to have published on the website, “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”
The prosecution said the publication was “falsely and intentionally made to harm the hard-earned reputation of CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro,” contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (as amended) 2024.
Ugagbe pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him, following which the prosecuting lawyer, K.P. Ebong, sought a date for trial.
Defence lawyer, Adekunle Olanipekun, told the court that the defendant has filed a bail application, which he said he was ready to move, subject to the court’s convenience.
The judge noted that he had not seen the application, saying he had just been served and needed time to respond.
Justice Ibrahim then adjourned till September 24, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
The judge ordered the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are in court on the next adjourned date.
In count two, Ugagbe of Hon Emeka Ahakaghuan Avenue, Jikwoji, Phase 1, Abuja, and Oliver (now at large) were alleged to have published on the website that “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Nana Usoro hides N1.4 Billion California Luxury Condo in Asset Declaration Scandal.”
The police said the publication was fabricated to cause a breakdown of law and order.
Count three accused the defendants of publishing on their website, “www.secretReporteis.com,” that “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro linked to N3.6 BN Los Angeles Property amidst questions over Asset Declaration Compliance.”
The prosecution said the publication was intentionally made to bully, threaten or harass the person of Usoro.
In count five, the defendants were alleged to have made a publication on their website that, “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”
The police said the offence is contrary to Section 391 and punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, among other counts.
