A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Umuahia has ordered the remand of blogger Nnachi Divine Mark Idume at the Afara Correctional Centre over the alleged publication and circulation of false information targeting former Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji (T.A. Orji).
The defendant was arraigned in Charge No. U/306C/2026 in a case instituted by the Commissioner of Police under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2025 (as amended).
According to the prosecution, Idume allegedly published and circulated a viral social media report claiming that operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovered US$5 billion, purported pre-written election results, ₦1 trillion worth of gold necklaces, and more than 200 exotic vehicles during an alleged raid on Chief Orji’s residence in Umuahia.
The prosecution informed the court that the report was entirely false, unverified, and deliberately crafted to mislead members of the public, attract online traffic, and tarnish the reputation of the former governor.
Following arguments in the matter, the Chief Magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Afara Correctional Centre pending further proceedings. The case was subsequently adjourned to August 27, 2026, for continuation.
The prosecution is considered one of the notable cases brought under the Cybercrimes Act, which addresses the alleged dissemination of false information through digital platforms. The law empowers security agencies to prosecute individuals accused of deliberately publishing or circulating false or misleading online content capable of damaging reputations, inciting public disorder, or undermining public confidence in public institutions.
The matter is expected to resume before the Chief Magistrate Court on the scheduled adjourned date.
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