An Imo State-based journalist and publisher of First Citizen Newspaper, Ejike Ogbonna, has been granted bail of N2 million by a Magistrate Court in Owerri after spending 30 days in detention at the Tiger Base Police Unit. Ogbonna faces allegations of cybercrime involving defamation of a government official.
The bail, granted by Presiding Magistrate C.J. Uzoechi, includes conditions requiring a surety to provide proof of ownership of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction and a traditional ruler to endorse the bail bond. Magistrate Uzoechi noted that the offense is bailable, adjourning the case to October 3, 2025, for further hearing.
Ogbonna, who appeared in court in handcuffs, is facing a four-count charge related to alleged cyberbullying. He is accused of defaming Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Compliance, through a voice note allegedly circulated on social media.
Journalists in Imo State have condemned the arrest, describing it as an attack on media practitioners. They have urged the State Police Commissioner to caution officers against being used by government officials to target citizens. The case has sparked concerns about press freedom in the state, with calls for greater protection for journalists.
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