A journalist, Friday James Alefia, may spend the upcoming Christmas and New Year in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, following the adjournment of his cybercrime trial involving a federal lawmaker from Ebonyi State.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has fixed January 27, 2026, for the continuation of Alefia’s trial. The journalist, who publishes the online platform Naija News Today (formerly Asiwaju Media), faces a five-count charge of publishing false and defamatory information against Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the House of Representatives member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State.
According to court documents marked FHC/ABJ/CR/53/2025, Alefia and his company, Asiwaju Media Company Ltd, allegedly used social media platforms, including Facebook, to circulate misleading stories about the lawmaker — actions said to violate Sections 24 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.
The journalist, who was reportedly arrested in Lagos and transferred to Abuja, has been in detention since September 23, initially held at the disbanded SARS cell in Abattoir, Abuja.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Alefia pleaded not guilty to all the charges. His lawyer, Israel Abida, attempted to secure bail but was informed that the bail application was not on record. Justice Egwuatu therefore declined to fix an early hearing date, stating that the court could not act without a formal application. The case was subsequently adjourned until January 27, 2026, and the defendant ordered to remain in Kuje prison.
Meanwhile, Alefia’s defence team confirmed that a motion of urgency for bail has since been filed.
The charges against Alefia include several online publications allegedly targeting the lawmaker, such as:
- “How Federal Lawmaker Ogah Snatches Village Land in Ebonyi”
- “Ebonyi Rep Member Returns ₦4 Million Amidst Extortion Allegations”
- “Ebonyi Rep Member Threatens Constituent for Supporting Charity Foundation”
- “I Rigged Senatorial Poll Against Emmanuel Onwe” — a quote attributed to Ogah.
The prosecution argues that these reports are false and damaging, amounting to cyberstalking and defamation, punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(i) of the Cybercrime Act.
If found guilty, Alefia could face severe penalties under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws — a case that underscores the growing tension between press freedom and digital defamation regulations in the country.
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