Four Bloggers Re-Arraigned for Alleged Cyberstalking of GTCO

The Nigeria Police on Monday re-arraigned four bloggers—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—before the Federal High Court in Lagos on fresh charges of cyberstalking and publishing false allegations against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO). The bloggers are facing a total of 10 counts, including conspiracy, cyberstalking, false publications, extortion, and damaging the company’s market value.

The charges, brought by the police prosecutor Ajibola Aribisala (SAN), outline allegations that the defendants conspired to spread false and unverified information aimed at harming GTCO, its leadership, and Nigeria’s banking sector. According to Aribisala, the defendants used various social media platforms to disseminate misleading information about GTCO, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the broader financial industry, leading to potential risks of destabilizing the sector.

“The defendants conspired among themselves to cyberstalk and attempt to publish false, misleading, and unsubstantiated allegations, which they all knew to be false, against GTCO and others,” Aribisala stated. He explained that their actions sought to tarnish the reputation of GTCO and its leadership, which could lead to widespread disruptions in the financial system.

The defendants first appeared before the court on September 27, 2024, facing two charges of cyberstalking and spreading false information targeting GTCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje. Justice Ayokunle Faji initially ordered their detention at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. However, on Monday, the charges were amended to 10 counts, following a directive from the Inspector General of Police allowing Aribisala to pursue a broader case against them.

After the initial charges were dropped, Aribisala requested that the updated charges be read to the defendants. They pleaded not guilty to all accusations. Justice Faji subsequently ordered that they remain in custody while the court processes their bail applications.

The prosecution alleges that the false information published by the defendants intended to damage GTCO’s reputation and reduce the value of its shares. Aribisala also claimed that the bloggers tried to use the allegations to extort money from GTCO. “The defendants concocted false, misleading, and unsubstantiated allegations… to affect the market value of the company’s shares,” he added.

During the proceedings, the defense counsel, Olakunle Afolabi, initially objected to the fresh charges, requesting time to review them. He suggested an oral application for bail but was turned down by the judge, who emphasized the need for a formal written application. Afolabi eventually withdrew his objection, allowing the new charges to be presented.

In response to the charges, Afolabi expressed his intention to seek bail for his clients. “We will file a formal bail application and serve the prosecution,” he stated. The judge directed the prosecution to submit their proof of evidence before the next court date.

Aribisala, who described himself as a human rights advocate, expressed concern over the detention of the defendants. He emphasized the importance of balancing legal proceedings with the rights of individuals.

Justice Faji adjourned the case until October 24, 2024, providing time for the defense to file the necessary bail applications and for the prosecution to prepare its evidence.

The case has drawn attention due to its implications for the use of social media and the enforcement of cybercrime laws in Nigeria. It highlights the legal risks that can arise from spreading unverified information online, particularly when such actions can impact major institutions like banks. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will address the allegations and what implications the outcome may have for digital publishing in Nigeria.