An Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court on Monday remanded Polycap Alegu over alleged defamation and cyberbullying of Ebonyi Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike.
Alegu, 36, is facing a two-count charge bordering on criminal defamation and cybercrime.
The defendant’s plea was not taken by the court.
Prosecuting counsel, Mrs Linda Akam, said Alegu committed the offences on Dec. 16, 2025, through social media.
“Alegu published defamatory content against Umezurike, punishable under Section 375(A) of the Criminal Code Act,” Akam told the court.
She added that he “knowingly made a false and defamatory Facebook publication, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act”.
Defence counsel, Mr Sunday Ununu, argued that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) lacked authority to initiate remand proceedings or file charges for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ununu contended that only the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) had constitutional powers to institute such criminal proceedings.
Chief Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Onyibe overruled the objection, holding that the Constitution empowers NSCDC to act on behalf of the AGF.
She dismissed the locus standi argument, denied bail, ordered remand, and forwarded the case file to the Department of Public Prosecution for advice.
The matter was adjourned until Jan. 26 for a report of compliance.
