The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the remand of a journalist, Stanley Ugagbe, in Kuje Correctional Centre for allegedly defaming the Deputy Governor in charge of Operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro.
Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order after the journalist was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge preferred.
The charges were preferred against him by the Inspector-General of Police (I-G).
NAN reports that Ugagbe and Fejiro Oliver, aka Oghenetega Oghenedoro, who is said to be at large, were alleged to have sometime in 2026 made a publication on their website: www.SecretReporters.com.
On the website, an online newspaper platform, the defendants were accused of publishing that: “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”
The prosecution said the publication was “falsely and intentionally made to harm the hard earned reputation of CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro” contrary to Section 24(2)(c) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2015 (as amended) 2024.
Earlier when the case was called on Tuesday, the I-G’s lawyer, K.P. Ebong, informed the court that the matter was slated for the arraignment of the defendant and that they were ready to proceed.
The defence counsel, Adekunle Olanipekun, did not oppose Ebong’s application.
After the charge was read to him, Ugagbe pleaded not guilty to all the six counts.
The prosecution counsel then applied for a trial date in order to open their case against the defendant.
Responding, Olanipekun did not object.
He, however, informed the court of their bail application.
“We are ready to take it based on the convenience of the court,” he said.
But the judge said he was yet to see the application.
Olanipekun admitted that the bail application was just brought into the court through the court registry.
Responding, Ebong said he was just being served with the motion prior to the commencement of the case.
The lawyer, who indicated his interest to respond to the process, submitted that the bail application was not ripe for hearing.
Justice Ibrahim consequently adjourned the matter until September 24, 2026 for trial.
The judge ordered the prosecution to ensure that all its witnesses are in court at the next adjourned date.
In count two, Ugagbe of Hon. Emeka Ahakaghuan Avenue, Jikwoji, Phase 1, Abuja, and Oliiver (now at large) were alleged to have published on the website: “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Nana Usoro hides N1.4 Billion California Luxury Condo in Asset Declaration Scandal.”
The police said the publication was falsely produced for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.
Count three accused the defendants of publishing on their website: “CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro linked to N3.6b Los Angeles Property amidst questions over Asset Declaration Compliance.”
The prosecution said the publication was intentionally made to bully, threaten, or harass the person of Usoro.
In count five, the defendants were alleged to have made a publication on their website: “Adulterous Woman: How CBN Deputy Governor Emem Usoro turned side chic, paraded herself as man’s wife, destroyed couple’s union.”
The police said the offence is contrary to Section 391 and punishable under Section 392 of the Penal Code Act, among other counts.
