A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) court has remanded blogger and publisher Ugagbe at the Kuje Correctional Centre following allegations that he published defamatory content against the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro.
The decision came after the defendant was arraigned before the court on charges linked to alleged criminal defamation and the publication of materials said to have damaged the reputation of the senior CBN official.
According to reports, the prosecution told the court that the blogger circulated publications containing allegations against Usoro, which authorities claim were false, malicious, and capable of exposing her to public ridicule. Prosecutors argued that the publications violated relevant provisions of Nigerian law relating to defamation and cyber-related offences.
During the proceedings, the court ordered that Ugagbe be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application or further proceedings in the case.
Counsel representing the defendant reportedly sought bail, urging the court to grant his client temporary release while standing trial. However, the court directed that the application be addressed in line with legal procedures before making a ruling.
The case has drawn attention from media practitioners and civil society groups, with some calling for due process and emphasizing the need to balance freedom of expression with the protection of individual reputations.
Legal analysts note that defamation cases involving online publications have become increasingly common in Nigeria as authorities intensify efforts to address the spread of allegedly false or damaging information on digital platforms.
