GTBank CEO Keeps Journalists In Jail As Court Denies Bail In Cyberstalking Case

 

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, presided over by Justice Ayokunle Faji, has ordered the continued detention of four journalists accused of cyberstalking and defamation against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.

The court, during hearings held on November 13 and 14, denied bail applications for the accused journalists, citing the gravity of the alleged offenses.

The accused; Precious Eze, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of News Platform; Olawale Rotimi, Managing Director of National Monitor; Rowland Olonishuwa, Editor of News Hob Mag; and Seun Odunlami—are facing a 10-count amended charge.

The charges allege that the journalists published false information on social media with the intent to defame the bank and its management.

Justice Faji stated that the allegations, which include cross-border cyber activities, have far-reaching implications for the banking sector, particularly regarding regulatory oversight by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

One of the accused, Precious Eze, was noted to have been on bail for a similar offense at the time of the alleged crime.

This, according to the court, heightened concerns about the risk of reoffending, further strengthening the decision to deny bail.

Prosecution counsel, Chief Aribisala SAN, argued against the bail applications, emphasizing the potential flight risk and the need for an expedited trial.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) had condemned the detention of the journalists, describing it as a blatant attack on press freedom.

Speaking on the incident in a statement seen by Osun Defender on Wednesday, the Dele Atunbi 2024 NUJ Presidential Aspirant Consultation Team condemned the arrest of the journalists.

They decried the arrests as unconstitutional and a calculated move to silence the media.

READ: NUJ Kicks As GTB CEO Arrest, Detains Journalists In Lagos

They called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained journalists, stressing that journalism is not a crime.

The NUJ emphasized the need to uphold the rights of media practitioners, warning that actions against press freedom undermine democracy.

The Consultation Team urged journalists to remain calm and steadfast, assuring members of the union of their commitment to protecting media professionals from harassment and intimidation.

Justice Faji has adjourned the trial to December 10 and 12 for continuation, ordering an accelerated hearing to resolve the case promptly.