A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of a member of the House of Representatives, Amobi Godwin Ogah, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of criminal defamation and false declaration.
The lawmaker, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, was remanded by Justice Yusuf Halilu after he was arrested and brought before the court.
According to a warrant of commitment issued by the court on June 24, 2026, Ogah will remain in custody pending the continuation of proceedings in the criminal case instituted against him by the Federal Government.
The court fixed July 6, 2026, for the resumption of hearing in the matter.
The warrant, issued in Charge No. CR/650/2024, directed officials of the Kuje Correctional Centre to keep the lawmaker in custody until further orders of the court.
The document stated that should no further order be made before the adjourned date, the prison authorities are to produce him before the court through a police officer for further directives.
The Federal Government had, on July 31, 2024, filed a five-count charge against the legislator, accusing him of making false declarations and defamatory statements against the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
According to the charge, Ogah allegedly swore to an affidavit dated May 18, 2023, in which he claimed that Onyejeocha had told her supporters she had influenced members of the National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal handling a dispute arising from the 2023 general elections.
The prosecution alleged that the lawmaker falsely claimed that the former minister boasted of having “bought over” tribunal judges, including Justice Halima Saleeman, to secure a favourable judgment.
The government further accused him of making another declaration alleging that Onyejeocha influenced the replacement of a tribunal chairman to ensure that a judge known to her would preside over and determine the case in her favour.
Prosecutors argued that the statements were false and intended to damage the reputation of the former minister.
One of the counts also alleged that Ogah knowingly made false declarations with the intention of tarnishing Onyejeocha’s image, an action the prosecution said caused harm to her reputation.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Penal Code relating to false declaration and criminal defamation.
The case is expected to continue on July 6 when the court will take further proceedings in the matter.
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