Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar has affirmed the decision of the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo, which refused to grant bail to a Facebook user, Princess God'sown Udoito, who is standing trial over alleged defamatory publications against Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. In an unanimous judgment delivered on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the three-member appellate panel dismissed Udoito's appeal, thereby upholding the refusal of her bail application. The judgment was delivered by Hon. Justice Mohammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma on behalf of the panel, which found no basis to overturn the earlier ruling of the trial court.
Recall that the High Court Judge in Uyo, Hon. Justice Winifred Umohandi, had earlier denied the defendant bail, citing the gravity of the offences, flight risk, and risk to public order, while mandating accelerated hearing to hasten the trial. The Defence Counsel challenged the decision of the High Court at the appellate court in Calabar. With the appellate court's decision, the ruling of the Akwa Ibom State High Court remains in force, and the trial is expected to continue in accordance with due process.
Udoito is facing charges including conspiracy to commit criminal defamation, criminal defamation, publication of defamatory matter with intent to intimidate, publication of false news, threats likely to cause fear, and conduct capable of disturbing public peace. According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly made and published false and defamatory statements against Governor Umo Eno on her Facebook account, "Princess God'sown Udoitoto," between August and December 2025. The alleged publications were said to have occurred at various locations within Eket Local Government Area. Udoito was reportedly arrested in January 2026 and has remained in custody since then.
The Akwa Ibom State government was represented by the Chief State Counsel, Utomobong Inyang, Esq., while the appellant was represented by senior legal practitioner, Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq.. The judgment marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings, reinforcing the lower court's position on the bail application and paving the way for the substantive case to proceed. The case has drawn attention from civil society groups and human rights organisations, with some raising concerns over threats to free speech in Akwa Ibom State. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has stated that social media is not a sanctuary for criminality, while the state government has also warned publishers, bloggers, and social media influencers against publishing false and malicious information.
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