The Federal Government has filed a six-count charge against nine individuals, including journalists, for allegedly publishing false information regarding a supposed siege by the Department of State Services (DSS) on the National Assembly.
This incident reportedly occurred on October 16, 2024, in connection with an alleged impeachment plan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The charges, filed on October 21, 2024, at the Federal High Court in Abuja by A. A. Yusuf, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, include the Incorporated Trustees of Order Paper (the platform where the information was published), along with several key personnel from the organization.
The defendants are:
- Oke Epia (Founder/Publisher and Executive Director of Order Paper)
- Tony Okeke Ofodile (Head of Operations)
- Edna Bill Ulaeto (Admin/Finance Executive)
- Elizabeth Atime (National Assembly lead reporter)
- Regina Udo (Coordinator of Programmes)
- Leah Twaki (Social Media Executive)
- Idongesit Joseph Ekoh (Admin Support)
- Edoesomi Sharon Omonegho (National Assembly correspondent)
The charges outline several offenses, including:
- False Information: Under Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, for knowingly publishing false information about the DSS.
- Cyber Defamation: Under Section 24(1)(b) of the same Act, for intentionally publishing defamatory statements against the DSS and Senator Akpabio.
- Defamation: Under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, for publishing defamatory material against the DSS and Akpabio.
- Publication of False News with Intent to Cause Public Fear: Under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act, for publishing false information intending to create public disturbance.
- Conspiracy: For allegedly conspiring to disseminate false information regarding the DSS and the National Assembly.
As of now, no date has been set for the arraignment of the defendants.
