In a recent development at the Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Mr. Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, widely recognized as Ijele Speaks, found himself further remanded at the Keffi Correctional Center amidst allegations of cybercrimes. Presiding over the proceedings, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered Ofoegbu’s continued custody until April 12, pending the court’s decision on his bail application.
The Nigeria Police Force is pursuing charges against the blogger, including criminal intimidation, threat to life, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying, purportedly directed at Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the founder and spiritual director of Zion Prayer Movement.
Ofoegbu’s arrest stems from accusations of threatening Evangelist Ebuka Obi’s life in a video posted on Facebook, where he purportedly made violent remarks. Also, he allegedly defamed Obi by accusing him of criminal activities and deceitful practices within Zion Prayer Movement.
The police acted on a petition regarding these alleged offenses, leading to Ofoegbu’s detention in Abuja pending further legal proceedings.
During Monday’s hearing, Ofoegbu’s counsel, Mr. Marvin Omorogbe, urged the court to set aside the remand order and secure his client’s release, alleging misrepresentations by the police regarding the filing of criminal charges.
Omorogbe argued that the police had falsely claimed to have initiated proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, leading to the remand order.
However, police lawyer Mr. Obiora Ejiofor opposed the bail application, asserting that the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction in the matter. Ejiofor emphasized the police’s preparedness to arraign the defendant at the Federal High Court once a date is set.
In response, Omorogbe challenged the authenticity of police exhibits, alleging forgery and claiming that the remand order had expired. The court adjourned the matter for ruling after considering arguments from both sides.
