A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Chinonso Uba has a case to answer in his ongoing cybercrime trial.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, following an application by Uba’s legal counsel, who challenged the court’s jurisdiction. The defense argued that an ECOWAS Court judgment had rendered cybercrime laws unenforceable. However, Justice Egwuatu dismissed the claim, stating that the ECOWAS Court’s ruling is not binding on Nigerian courts.
The judge ruled that Uba’s alleged actions constitute an offense under Nigerian law and that his plea of not guilty indicated his awareness of the charges. He further held that Uba’s right to a fair hearing had not been violated and that he must stand trial.
The case, filed under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/367/2023, was brought by the Inspector General of Police, who alleged that Uba violated the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
Details of the Charges Against Chinonso Uba
Count One: That you, Chinonso Uba (male), on or about June 24, 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, intentionally sent a message via computer and social media networks, including Facebook, making a video in which you falsely accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Asari Dokubo of killing 100 Imo youths and burning houses in Imo State. This was done with the intent to instigate the people of Imo State and the Igbo Tribe worldwide against the governor, knowing the information to be false and intending to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to him. By doing so, you committed an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
Count Two: That you, Chinonso Uba (male), on or about June 24, 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly and intentionally made and transmitted a video via your Facebook social media handle or any communication network, with the intent to bully, threaten, or harass the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, by falsely claiming that he and Asari Dokubo killed 100 Imo youths and burned their houses. This act was intended to instigate the youths against him and place him in fear of death, violence, or bodily harm to himself and his family members. By doing so, you committed an offense contrary to Section 24(2)(A) and punishable under Section 24(2)(C) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned the matter to February 18, 19, and 20, 2025, for the continuation of trial.
