30 Days Later: Imo Journalist Out on Stringent Bail

A Magistrate Court in Owerri has granted bail to Ejike Ogbonna, publisher of First Citizen Newspaper, who had been held for 30 days at the Tiger Base police unit over alleged cybercrime against a government official.

The presiding magistrate, C. J. Uzoechi, granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million, with conditions including a surety who must provide proof of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction and endorsement of the bail bond by a traditional ruler.

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Ogbonna, who was brought to court in handcuffs, is facing a four-count charge of alleged cyberbullying and defamation. He is accused of defaming the Special Adviser to the Governor on Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, through a voice note allegedly circulated on social media.

The case was adjourned to October 3, 2025, for hearing.

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Meanwhile, journalists in Imo State have described Ogbonna’s prosecution as an attack on press freedom, urging the Police Commissioner to caution officers against being used by politicians to harass citizens.