Justice Salim Ibrahim issued the order on Tuesday after Ugagbe was arraigned on a six-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Ugagbe is being prosecuted alongside Fejiro Oliver, also known as Oghenetega Oghenedoro, who is currently at large.
According to the police, the defendants published a series of defamatory reports on the online platform, SecretReporters.com, in 2026.
One of the publications allegedly bore the headline: “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”
The prosecution alleged that the publication was false and deliberately intended to damage Usoro’s reputation, contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
When the matter came up on Tuesday, prosecution counsel K.P. Ebong informed the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment and that the prosecution was ready to proceed.
Defence counsel Adekunle Olanipekun did not oppose the application.
Following Ugagbe’s plea of not guilty, the prosecution asked the court for a trial date.
Olanipekun informed the court that the defence had filed a bail application and was prepared to argue it.
Justice Ibrahim, however, said the application had not yet been brought to his attention. Olanipekun acknowledged that the motion had only just been filed through the court registry.
Ebong told the court he had only been served with the application shortly before proceedings commenced and sought time to respond, arguing that the application was not yet ripe for hearing.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until September 24, 2026, for trial and directed the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are present on the next adjourned date.
According to the charge, Ugagbe and Oliver also allegedly published another report titled, “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Nana Usoro hides N1.4 Billion California Luxury Condo in Asset Declaration Scandal.”
The police alleged that the publication was false and capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
In another count, the defendants were accused of publishing a report titled, “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro linked to N3.6BN Los Angeles Property amidst questions over Asset Declaration Compliance.”
The prosecution alleged that the publication was intentionally made to bully, threaten or harass the CBN deputy governor.
The defendants also face charges under the Penal Code over the alleged defamatory publication concerning Usoro’s personal life. Oliver remains at large.
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