A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that media personality and social critic, Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonsonkwa, has a case to answer in his ongoing trial for alleged cybercrime.
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu dismissed Uba’s legal challenge against the court’s jurisdiction. Uba’s defense had cited an earlier ruling by the ECOWAS Court, which declared that cybercrime was no longer an enforceable offense. However, Justice Egwuatu ruled that the ECOWAS Court’s decision was not binding on Nigerian courts.
The court emphasized that Uba’s actions, which involved accusations against Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and former militant leader Asari Dokubo, fell under offenses recognized by the Nigerian Constitution and the Cybercrime Prohibition Act.
The Charges Against Uba
According to the charge sheet (FHC/ABJ/CR/367/2023), Uba allegedly made a viral video on June 24, 2023, in which he accused Governor Uzodinma and Asari Dokubo of orchestrating the killing of 100 youths and burning houses in Imo State. The prosecution argued that his allegations were false and aimed at inciting the people of Imo State and the wider Igbo community against the governor.
- Count One: The prosecution alleges that Uba used Facebook and other social media networks to intentionally spread false information, with the intent to cause annoyance, incite enmity, and instigate hostility against the governor. This, the police said, violates Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act.
- Count Two: Uba is accused of making and transmitting a video that allegedly threatened and harassed Governor Uzodinma. The police claim the content of the video created fear of violence or bodily harm, violating Section 24 (2)(A) and punishable under Section 24 (2)(C) of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act.
The judge further ruled that Uba’s not-guilty plea confirmed that he was fully aware of the charges against him and that his right to a fair hearing had not been violated.
Next Court Session Set for February 18–20
The trial will continue on February 18, 19, and 20, 2025, with further arguments and presentations from both the prosecution and defense.
Uba, known for his staunch criticism of Governor Uzodinma, has frequently made allegations against the Imo State government, often without verifiable proof. His arrest and trial have sparked mixed reactions, with some describing it as a crackdown on dissent, while others argue that false accusations should not be weaponized.
As the legal battle continues, the case has reignited debates on the Cybercrime Act and the boundaries of free speech in Nigeria.
