Akwa Ibom State Police Command has instituted a six-count criminal charge against God’sown Monday Udoito, a female social media activist, at the State High Court over alleged “criminal defamation, threats, publication of false information, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.”

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, announced this in a statement made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.

Udoito is a prominent activist and advocate for the rights of the Ekid people concerning ancestral lands in the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.

The commissioner said the charges arose from a petition dated January 10, 2026, which alleged that the defendant, using her Facebook account “Princess God’sown Udoito,” with over 20,000 followers, published and circulated false, misleading, defamatory, and threatening statements and videos.

Azare said police investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly accused His Excellency, Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, of unlawfully selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area to private entities and misappropriating the proceeds.

He said, “Further investigations revealed that the publications also allegedly contained threats, including references to the use of ‘juju’ and ancestral forces, as well as content capable of inciting fear, panic, public disorder, and unrest, particularly within Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.”

Meanwhile, Udoito is facing charges of conspiracy to commit criminal defamation, criminal defamation, publication of defamatory material with intent to intimidate, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, threats capable of causing fear and public disturbance, and publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm.

“The offences are contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 39, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and the Internal Security and Enforcement Law, Cap. 73, Vol. 4, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022,” the Commissioner said.

He further stated, “The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it does not extend to the dissemination of falsehoods, defamatory material, threats, or any conduct capable of undermining public peace and security.

“Members of the public, particularly users of social media platforms, are hereby warned that the use of online platforms to spread false information, issue threats, incite violence, or cause public disorder will attract the full weight of the law.”

The Commissioner assured the public that the case would be diligently prosecuted in line with due process and the rule of law, while the fundamental rights of the defendant would be fully respected.

He also urged members of the public to verify information before dissemination and to channel grievances through lawful and appropriate channels.

According to the commissioner, Udoito has been remanded in correctional custody after pleading not guilty to the charges. (The PUNCH)

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