Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Anambra State Government has formally arraigned a blogger and publisher, Ejike Ofoegbu, before a Magistrate Court sitting in Amawbia on Monday, 13 July 2026, over allegations of criminal defamation and cybercrime, following a series of fabricated reports that made false claims about Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family. Ofoegbu, who is the publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews and also goes by the alias "Experience," was brought before the court to answer charges linked to publications concerning the governor and his son, Ozonna Soludo. The arraignment was disclosed by the Anambra State New Media team in a post on X, which confirmed that the blogger was in court as the case against him proceeded.
The legal action follows a series of viral reports published by Ofoegbu, which included claims that Governor Soludo had disowned his son, Ozonna, and fabricated statements suggesting that Ozonna had made damaging remarks against his father, including accusations of alcoholism and domestic abuse. The stories, which circulated widely on social media and other online platforms, were later admitted by Ofoegbu to be completely false. In a statement titled "Public Apology and Full Retraction," which was shared over the weekend, Ofoegbu confessed that the reports were fabricated, lacked factual basis, and were not obtained from the governor, his son, or any official representative. He publicly admitted that the stories he published concerning Governor Soludo and his son were completely fake, false, fabricated, and untrue, and that they did not come from Governor Soludo, his son, his family, or any official representative. He also stated that they were not based on any verified facts or credible source and should never have been presented as news.
Ofoegbu further admitted that the publications were driven by the desire to attract online attention, increase audience engagement, and generate financial gain. He expressed regret over the incident and apologised to Governor Soludo, his family, readers, and the people of Anambra State. Despite the public apology and retraction, the Anambra State Government proceeded with criminal charges against the publisher, accusing him of criminal defamation and offences under the Cybercrimes Act. The Anambra State Police Command arraigned Ofoegbu following the receipt of the suspect from the Department of State Services (DSS) in Awka and the conclusion of police investigations into a petition alleging the publication of false information capable of causing reputational harm and inciting public disaffection. The state government has not indicated whether additional charges will be filed, but the case is expected to continue before the court in the coming days. The arraignment of Ofoegbu marks a significant escalation in the government's response to the proliferation of fake news and online misinformation, particularly when it targets public figures and their families. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of fabricating stories for online attention and financial gain, and it underscores the legal risks associated with cybercrime and defamation in Nigeria.
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