The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against Ibezim Chike Victor, who is accused of orchestrating defamatory publications implicating the former Minister of Works and Housing. Victor has been brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/434/2023.
The charges against Victor include allegations of criminal conspiracy and cyber stalking. He is accused of collaborating with Jackson Udeh, Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, and Reportera.ng (a corporate entity now at large) to publish false and defamatory statements on social media and the Reportera.ng news platform.
One of the charges accuses Victor and his alleged accomplices of conspiring to publish defamatory statements against Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, the former Minister for Works and Housing, without justification. This act is said to be in violation of Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrime Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015.
Another charge alleges that Victor and his associates engaged in cyber stalking against Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, by falsely alleging that the Nigeria Army had besieged Fashola’s Abuja residence. The publication claimed that this siege was due to Fashola’s rumored involvement in drafting controversial verdicts to dismiss cases brought by opposition parties. Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim is purportedly operating this scheme of hatred, ill-will, needless anxiety, and criminal intimidation, according to the charges. This offense is stated to be punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015.
The commencement of legal proceedings against Victor underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government is addressing cybercrime and defamation. It also serves as a reminder of the legal consequences individuals may face for spreading false information and engaging in malicious online activities.
