A Magistrate Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday ordered the remand of a social media critic, Polycap Obinna Alegu, over allegations of defamation and cyberbullying against the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike.

Alegu, 36, was arraigned before Magistrate Court 1, 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, he allegedly made a false and malicious publication against the SSG on December 16, 2025.

In Count One, the prosecution alleged that he published defamatory content against Prof. Umezurike, an offence contrary to Section 375(A) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Count Two accused him of intentionally publishing false and defamatory material on Facebook, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act.

Defence counsel, Sunday Ununu, objected to the reading of the charges, arguing that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) lacked authority to initiate criminal proceedings on behalf of the Federal Government.

He insisted that on’y the Attorney General of the Federation could institute such cases.

The court overruled the objection, with the Chief Magistrate holding that the Constitution empowers the NSCDC to file criminal matters on behalf of the AGF.

She also dismissed claims that the agency lacked the standing to seek a remand order.

Alegu, when asked to respond, told the court that his social media accounts had been hacked and that he was not responsible for the posts. He claimed that other comments issued from his account on different platforms were also the work of hackers.

Following his plea, defence counsel applied for bail, stating that the defendant had credible sureties. However, NSCDC counsel, Linda Akam, opposed the application because the Magistrate Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the substantive matter.

In her ruling, Magistrate Ifeanyi-Onyibe held that there was a prima facie case against the defendant.

She declined to rule on bail, stating that the issue should be handled by a court with the appropriate jurisdiction.

The court ordered that the case file be forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution in the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice for legal advice and adjourned the matter to January 26, 2026, for compliance. (The Nation)

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