A Benue State Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi has fixed August 19, 2025, for a ruling on whether it has the legal jurisdiction to hear cyberbullying charges brought against Aljazirah Newspaper correspondent, Henry Ibya. The journalist is facing multiple allegations, including cyberstalking, defamation, and publishing falsehoods against the Director of ICT at Moses Orshio Adasu University, Terna Abuul.
Magistrate Kevin Mbanongun expressed frustration over the prosecution’s failure to conclude its investigation since Ibya’s initial arraignment in April 2025. He emphasized that the case remained active only because of the gravity of the cybercrime-related charges, which typically fall under federal jurisdiction.
The prosecution, led by MT Testim, argued that the court has sufficient legal ground to proceed, dismissing the defence’s request for dismissal as “premature” and accusing them of flip-flopping on legal positions. Testim maintained that the prosecution needed more time due to the complexity of the cyberstalking element.
Defence counsel Tom Uja criticized the delay as a deliberate tactic to wear down his client emotionally and financially. Uja argued that the complainant, Mr. Abuul, had failed to appear in court multiple times and accused the police of procedural abuse and intentional harassment of a journalist.
The cyberbullying charge stems from a report Ibya allegedly published earlier this year, accusing Abuul of misappropriation and misuse of ICT project funds—an article the university official deemed injurious and defamatory.
The case has drawn attention from press freedom advocates and civil rights groups, who argue that the charges are a veiled attempt to silence investigative journalism in Benue State. They have called for transparency, a speedy resolution, and a judicial process free of political interference.
The upcoming August 19 decision could determine whether the matter proceeds to trial or is referred to a higher court. Observers say the ruling will set an important precedent for how cybercrime and press freedom cases are handled within state judicial systems.
