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Nine defendants are now facing a six-count charge from the Federal Government, following allegations that they circulated false claims about Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s potential impeachment. This legal move reflects authorities’ resolve to combat misinformation at high levels of governance.
Labeled FHC/ABJ/CR/555/2024, the charge was filed on October 21 at a Federal High Court in Abuja by A. A. Yusuf, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution. This official filing marks a decisive legal response by the government amid ongoing concerns over the spread of political misinformation.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the defendants are accused of spreading untrue reports on October 16, alleging that the Department of State Services had surrounded the National Assembly to facilitate the impeachment of Senate President Akpabio. The incident illustrates the potential damage that unfounded rumors can have on institutional trust and stability.
Naming the Incorporated Trustee of Order Paper as the primary defendant, the Federal Government’s lawsuit also includes Oke Epia, the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, and Tony Okeke Ofodile, Head of Operations, as key defendants in the case. The action stresses the potential repercussions media outlets may face in cases of alleged misinformation.
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The Federal Government’s case has also extended to Edna Bill Ulaeto, the Admin and Finance Executive, and Elizabeth Atime, who is the National Assembly lead reporter and report author. By involving them as the fourth and fifth defendants, the lawsuit illustrates the emphasis on comprehensive accountability within Order Paper’s hierarchy.
Others were Regina Udo (Coordinator of Programmes), Leah Twaki (Social Media Executive), Idongesit Joseph Ekoh (Admin Support) and Edoesomi Sharon Omonegho (National Assembly correspondent) as sixth to 9th defendants respectively.
In count one, the prosecution accused the Order Paper (Incorporated Trustee), of Suit C12, Halima Plaza, Plot 1496, Balanga Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, through its agents; Oke Epia, Tony Okeke Ofordile, Edna Bill Ulacto, and Elizabeth Atime, and others at large, of publishing a false information via its online platform.
They were said to have on or about October 16 alleged that “the DSS laid siege to the National Assembly over plans to impeach the Senate President, which you knew to be false, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015 and punishable under the same section.”
The defendants and others at large, in count two, were alleged to have intentionally published defamatory statements regarding the DSS and Akpabio on their online platforms.
The case is yet to be assigned to a judge as of the time of filing the report.
