An Owerri Magistrate Court has granted bail to Imo State journalist and publisher of First Citizen Newspaper, Ejike Ogbonna, after spending 30 days in police detention on allegations of cybercrime against a government official.
Ogbonna, who was brought to court in handcuffs, is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on alleged cyber bullying and defamation of Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Compliance. The accusations stem from a voice note allegedly circulated on social media.
Presiding Magistrate C. J. Uzoechi ruled that the offence is bailable and granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million. However, the conditions were described as unusually strict.
To secure his release, Ogbonna must provide a surety who can show proof of landed property ownership within the court’s jurisdiction, while a traditional ruler must also endorse the bail bond.
The case has been adjourned to October 3, 2025, for further hearing.
Journalists in Imo State have strongly criticised the development, describing it as an attack on press freedom. They urged the State Commissioner of Police to ensure officers are not used by government officials to intimidate or silence media practitioners.
The case has further fuelled concerns about shrinking civic space and growing hostility towards journalists in Nigeria.
