The Federal Government has instituted a three-count criminal charge against a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Nwannebuike Ominyi Eze, and others before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged cybercrime-related offences.
The amended charges, filed in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/654/, are hinged on alleged false and damaging publications circulated on Top Trends Nigeria Online Newspaper, Facebook and other social media platforms.
According to the prosecution, the statements were said to have harmed the reputation of Emmanuel Ogai, a Nigerian industrialist and Chief Executive Officer of Frontfield Group of Companies.
Court documents indicate that the Federal Government alleged that on or about March 22, 2025, within the jurisdiction of the court, the defendants used computer networks to publish statements accusing Ogai of colluding with officials of the National Youth Service Corps to remove Ominyi’s name from the NYSC national database after the completion of the 2005 service year.
The prosecution contended that the statements were false and published with knowledge that Ominyi allegedly did not complete a full-time academic programme at Ebonyi State University and was therefore not qualified to participate in the compulsory NYSC scheme.
It further alleged that the publications were intended to cause harm, criminal intimidation, enmity, anxiety and hatred against Ogai.
In count one, the defendants were accused of conspiracy to damage the reputation of the industrialist by making malicious online publications, including claims describing him as a “serial blackmailer.”
The offence, according to the charge, is punishable under Section 27(1)(a)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).
Count two alleged that the defendants falsely claimed that Ogai orchestrated efforts to disqualify Ominyi as an ambassadorial nominee in order to replace him. Prosecutors said the statements were intended to expose the industrialist to hatred, harassment, bullying and reputational damage, contrary to Section 24(2)(a) of the Act.
In count three, the defendants were accused of knowingly transmitting false statements through computer networks with the intent to cause harm, an offence also punishable under Section 24(2)(a)(b) of the Cybercrime Act.
The defendants are expected to take their plea when the matter comes up for arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja.