Imo Journalist Released On ₦2 Million Bail After Month-Long Detention

According to Ireporter Online, an Owerri Magistrate Court has granted bail to Imo-based journalist and publisher of First Citizen Newspaper, Ejike Ogbonna, after he spent 30 days in police custody at the Tiger Base unit over alleged cybercrime charges. Magistrate C. J. Uzoechi ruled that the charges were bailable and set Ogbonna’s bail at ₦2 million. Part of the conditions includes providing a surety with proof of ownership of landed property within the court’s jurisdiction, as well as the endorsement of a traditional ruler.

Ogbonna, who was brought to court in handcuffs, faces a four-count charge related to alleged cyberbullying. He is accused of defaming the Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, via a voice note circulated on social media. The matter has been adjourned to October 3, 2025, for hearing.

Media practitioners in Imo State have condemned Ogbonna’s arrest and extended detention, describing it as an infringement on press freedom. They called on the state Commissioner of Police to ensure that law enforcement officers are not used to intimidate journalists or citizens at the behest of politicians or government officials.

In a related development, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has demanded the immediate release of Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa, a journalist detained in Kebbi State after publishing a viral video highlighting the poor conditions at Kangiwa General Hospital. ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on his verified handle, accused the APC-led Kebbi State Government of attempting to suppress accountability journalism instead of addressing the health sector’s shortcomings.

Abdullahi called on the government to release Kangiwa immediately and respect journalists’ rights to report the truth. He added that the party would continue circulating the video until Kangiwa is freed and the healthcare issues are addressed. Reports indicate that Kangiwa was detained following orders from Governor Nasiru Idris after footage showing patients on bare metal beds without mattresses sparked public outrage on social media.

Human rights advocate Dan Bello described Kangiwa’s arrest as “a new wave of tyranny,” framing it as a deliberate attempt to silence journalists and discourage citizens from speaking out.