Blogger Faces Trial For Accusing Fashola Of Writing PEPC Judgments
The Federal Government has commenced legal proceedings against blogger Ibezim Chike Victor, who leveled allegations against former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, claiming he authored judgments for the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).
Victor, alleged to be one of the individuals implicated in the accusations, appeared for arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing six charges under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/434/2023.
He stands accused of criminal conspiracy, cyberstalking, and defamation.
The charges laid against him include:
– Engaging in criminal conspiracy by jointly agreeing with Jackson Udeh, Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, and Reportera.ng (currently at large) to publish defamatory and false allegations against Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, on August 5, 2023, through the online platform reportera.ng, without justification. This action is said to contravene Section 27(1)(b) of the Cyber-crime Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015.
– Committing cyberstalking against Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, by making false allegations through the online news outlet reportera.ng, concerning the Nigeria Army’s alleged siege on Fashola’s residence in Abuja, restricting his movement amidst rumors of his involvement in drafting a controversial verdict to dismiss opposition parties’ LP and PDP’s case at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).
The charge implicates Ibezim along with Jackson Udeh, Nnamdi Emmanuel Ibezim, and Reportera.ng (body corporate) for allegedly committing the offense on August 5, 2023, in Abuja.
They are accused of criminally conspiring and jointly agreeing to publish defamatory statements and false allegations on their online platform, reportera.ng, against Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, without justification.
These charges carry significant legal implications under the Cyber-crime Prohibition, Prevention Act 2015, among others, as the trial unfolds.
