Claims by Ikenna Ezeume that former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, Aniocha branch in Anambra State, Okongwu Jideofor, forged his WAEC result has made Ezeume an object of arraignment for defamation.
The 40-year-old businessman was arraigned before a Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State for allegedly defaming lawyer Jideofor online.
The defendant is facing trial for cyberbullying and defamation for posting on social media that the ex-NBA Chairman forged his WAEC result, which he allegedly used to study law at the Delta State University.
In the charge sheet sighted by this medium, the defendant is facing two counts: “That you, Ikenna Ezeume, between the 1st day of March 2025 and the 31st day of April 2025, within the Awka South Magisterial District, did publish a defamatory matter on the Internet and other social media platforms such as WhatsApp, alleging that one Barrister Okongwu Jideofor (m), Chairman Emeritus of the Nigerian Bar Association, Aniocha Branch, forged his WAEC result, which he allegedly used to study law at the Delta State University.
“You thereby published a statement you knew to be false, intending to injure his reputation and expose him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule, contrary to and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, as amended.
“That you, Ikenna Ezeume (m), of Plot 2A, Green Ville Estate, Awka, on or about the 20th day of March 2025, within the Awka Magisterial District, did knowingly provide false information to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, through a written petition dated 20th March 2025.
“In the said petition, you falsely alleged that Barrister Okongwu Jideofor (m), Chairman Emeritus of the NBA, Aniocha Branch, forged his WAEC certificate used in obtaining his law degree from Delta State University, with the intent to cause the AIG to direct Sgt. Chidioke Alaeffia of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Zone 13, Ukpo, to act upon the false information to the detriment of the said Barrister Jideofor.
“This act is contrary to and punishable under Section 154(1)(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State of Nigeria, 1991, as amended.”
The defendant, however pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge read to him in open court and was granted bail by the Magistrate, O.N. Ike, who also adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of the hearing.
