By Francis Ajuonuma
The police have charged Emenike Okorie, 49, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged WhatsApp claims concerning Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Okorie, an indigene of Amazu, Umuhu Ezechi, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, is accused of circulating messages on the Umuhu Ezechi Development Union WhatsApp group.
The charge, filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleges that the messages violated provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024.
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday that he had intervened in the matter to secure Okorie’s release.
The disputed posts reportedly contained allegations concerning a ₦348 million garri-processing project in Umuhu Ezechi, alongside criticisms of Kalu’s representation of Bende Federal Constituency.
According to the prosecution, Okorie allegedly circulated information he knew to be false for purposes including bullying, threatening or harassing the Deputy Speaker.
The prosecution further alleged that the messages were intended to cause reputational damage to Kalu.
However, the allegations contained in the charge remain unproven, and the filing of the charge does not by itself establish that Okorie committed the offences alleged against him.
The case has brought renewed attention to the tension between online commentary, public accountability and the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws to alleged harassment and reputational attacks.
It also highlights the legal implications of allegations made through social media platforms, particularly where public officials contend that online publications amount to harassment or damage to reputation.
The court document reviewed in connection with the case did not establish the date of Okorie’s arraignment, his plea, any bail decision or a final judicial determination.
Okorie remains presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty by a competent court.
