The Federal Government has taken a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia to court, accusing him of serious cybercrime offences related to publications on social media and an online newspaper.
Details of the Federal Charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja is hearing a three-count criminal charge filed against Nwannebuike Ominyi Eze, who previously served as Nigeria's envoy to Zambia. The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/654/, stem from statements published on Top Trends Nigeria Online Newspaper, Facebook, and other platforms.
The prosecution alleges these publications were designed to damage the reputation of Chief Dr Emmanuel Ogai, a prominent industrialist and CEO of the Frontfield Group of Companies. The case highlights the government's increasing use of cybercrime laws to address online defamation.
The Alleged False Publications
Court documents state that on or about March 22, 2025, within the court's jurisdiction, the defendant used computer networks to spread accusations against Chief Ogai. The central allegation claims Ogai colluded with officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to remove Ominyi's name from the NYSC national database after the 2005 service year.
The Federal Government's case contends these statements were knowingly false. It asserts that Ominyi did not complete a full-time academic programme at Ebonyi State University and was therefore not qualified to participate in the compulsory NYSC scheme in the first place.
Legal Framework and Potential Consequences
The government further alleges the publications intended to cause harm, criminal intimidation, enmity, anxiety, and hatred against Chief Ogai. The charge is brought under Section 27(1)(a)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).
With second and third counts also filed, the defendant is expected to enter a plea when arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja. This case sets a significant precedent for holding public figures accountable for their online activities under Nigeria's updated cybercrime legislation.
