Nollywood actor in court over alleged defamatory Facebook post against politician
By Taiye Agbaje
A 56-year-old Nollywood actor, Ugezu J. Ugezu has been arraigned over alleged defamatory Facebook posts against a politician, Mr Daniel Kanu.
Ugezu was arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahim on a four-count charge bordering on cybercrime offences by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The police, in a filed by Anthony Egwu, accused the popular actor of describing Kanu as “a criminal, ex-convict and a political sycophant who did not end well for supporting General Abacha.”
In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/440/2026, the 56-year old was alleged to have transmitted the message through his Facebook account, “Ugezu J. Ugezu, ” on or about May 19.
In count one, Ugezu was alleged to have intentionally sent the post through computer system or network on his Facebook account wherein he stated, ” Kanu was arrested and prosecuted over allegations related to financial fraud and illegal dealings involving a bank.”
In count two, he was alleged to have said that “After serving his sentence, Kanu largely withdrew from national politics and public attention. Unlike some other figures from that era, he did not successfully reinvent himself in mainstream Nigerian politics. Where is he now?”
Count three accused Ugezu of making a publication “suggesting that Kanu was a criminal, ex-convict, and political sycophant who did not end well for supporting General Abacha.”
The prosecution said the statements, which he knew, were untrue were made to bully, threaten or harass the person of Kanu, by placing him in fear of death.
Ugezu, however, denied the allegations.
The police lawyer, Kufreabasi Ebong, sought a trial date to present their witnesses in court.
Obi Nwakor, who appeared for the actor, informed the court of their bail application.
Although the application was opposed by the police, the judge held that Ugezu’s motion for bail was meritorious.
Justice Ibrahim, who admitted him to a bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties, said one of the sureties must be a civil servant not less than a Level 14 officer.
He said the sureties must be residents of Abuja and must deposed to affidavit of means.
Besides, the judge ruled that one of the sureties must produce in court three years of the tax clearance.
He said the sureties and the defendant should submit to the court their national ID cards and passport photographs.
Justice Ibrahim ordered that until all the conditions are met, Ugezu shall remain in custody.
The judge adjourned the matter until Feb. 10 for commencement of trial.
(NAN)