Pecohub The Magistrate Court of Enugu State has ordered the remand of Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, a 41-year-old socialite, following his arraignment on charges bordering on cyberbullying and cyberstalking under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.
According to the charge sheet filed before the Enugu Magisterial District Court, Mr. Ugwuanyi was accused of knowingly transmitting a message deemed bullying via his Facebook page on 15 January 2026.
The post allegedly quoted the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Enugu State, Chidiebere Onyi, stating: “Some people are meant to be used to win elections while some are meant to be given appointments and political dividends.”
The police contend that the publication amounts to cyberbullying and cyberstalking against the SSG, contrary to Section 24(2)(a)(b) and punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Despite arguments by defence counsel citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Enugu State, 2017, particularly Sections 88(b) and 225, which they argued empower a magistrate to grant bail in such offences, the court declined bail.
The magistrate subsequently ordered that Mr. Ugwuanyi be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
In a statement circulated by his supporters after the court sitting, the arraignment was described as politically motivated, alleging that the prosecution was initiated at the instance of the complainant.
The statement criticised the remand order and framed the case as part of a broader pattern of using cybercrime laws to stifle political expression and dissent.
“We did not expect otherwise,” the statement read, adding that the legal team remains confident the case will be resolved in the accused’s favour.
The case has reignited debate around the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws, particularly their intersection with freedom of expression, political speech, and the growing trend of criminal complaints arising from social media posts involving public officials.
The matter has been adjourned to a later date, which is yet to be formally announced by the court.
