Police Arraign Journalist Over Alleged False Publications, Cyberstalking
The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned Friday James Alefia, 29, journalist and publisher of Naija News Today, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge of false publication, conspiracy, and cyberstalking.
The charges relate to publications allegedly targeting Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State.
According to Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/531/2025, the defendant allegedly used Facebook to publish reports described as false and defamatory in April 2025, including: “How Federal Lawmaker Ogah Snatches Village Land in Ebonyi”; “I Rigged Senatorial Poll Against Emmanuel Onwe”; “Ebonyi Rep Member Returns ₦4 Million Amidst Extortion Allegations”; and “Ebonyi Rep Member Threatens Constituent for Supporting Charity Foundation.”
The prosecution described the reports as “false, malicious and intended to injure the reputation” of the lawmaker, citing Sections 24(2)(a) and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(i–ii).
Alefia pleaded not guilty to all counts before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
Defence counsel Israel Abida said a bail application had been filed, but the judge stated, “There is no such application in the Court’s file. We are not in receipt of any bail application.”
The judge adjourned the case to 27 January 2026 and ordered Alefia remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, meaning he may spend Christmas and New Year in detention unless granted bail.
Alefia was arrested in Lagos on 23 September 2025 by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and transferred to Abuja, initially detained at the defunct SARS facility in Abattoir before being moved to Kuje. His elder brother, Uchenna Nwanchor, said the family had been unable to visit him and that his health was deteriorating.
The case stems from articles published by Naija News Today between December 2024 and April 2025, including one examining Ogah’s political plans for the 2027 Ebonyi Central Senatorial seat and highlighting alleged strained relations with party leaders.
Following the publications, a petition was filed accusing Alefia of defamation and cyberbullying.
Chinedu Ogah did not deny filing the complaint, saying, “The matter is in court. The young man wrote about 36 stories against me, all false. I won’t speak further — verify from the court.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
