A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that it does not have the jurisdiction to try the offence of criminal defamation. This decision led to the dismissal of two out of three cybercrime charges against social media blogger Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, also known as Ijele.
SaharaReporters revealed that on Friday, the Federal High Court in Lagos struck out two of the three counts of cybercrime charges against the influencer. The court also nullified the stringent bail conditions that had kept Ijele in custody.
Renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) had filed a preliminary objection questioning the validity of Ijele’s trial for alleged cybercrime offences. The police filed the charges on behalf of Evangelist Ebuka Obi, leader of the Zion Prayer Ministry Movement Outreach. The court also ordered the correctional service to release Ijele’s medical records to his lawyers.
The dismissal of Count 3 was based on the court’s lack of jurisdiction to handle criminal defamation cases. Ijele had contested the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction over his cybercrime and criminal defamation case.
Count 3 detailed that in February 2024, Ijele allegedly used his social media handle, “The King of the Game,” to make defamatory publications against Evangelist Ebuka Obi, accusing him of performing fake miracles. This allegedly damaged Obi’s reputation, violating sections 373 and 374 of the Criminal Code Act, punishable under section 375.
Ijele’s legal team, led by Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), submitted a Notice of Preliminary Objection on June 28, 2024, urging the court to dismiss the case. The case was filed by the Inspector General of Police. The notice challenged the court’s jurisdiction on several grounds, including the illegality of Count 1 for conspiracy and the unconstitutionality of Count 2 under the Cybercrime Act 2015. Count 3 was argued to fall under the jurisdiction of the state High Court.
Falana and Co. argued that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the amended charge. In June, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, represented by lawyer Silas Onwugbonu, raised concerns over Ijele’s deteriorating health. They reported in a public statement dated June 24, 2024, that Ijele’s condition had worsened to the extent of him coughing up blood.
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