A Magistrates’ Court in Enugu on Tuesday ordered the remand of social media influencer, Senator Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, at the Enugu Correctional Centre following his arraignment over alleged cyberbullying and defamation.
Ugwuanyi was arraigned by the Enugu State Police Command on allegations that he posted a message on his Facebook page targeting the Secretary to the Enugu State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
According to the charge, Ugwuanyi allegedly, on January 15, 2026, knowingly or intentionally transmitted a message considered to be bullying in nature. The message reportedly read: “Let us remember this quote by SSG Enugu State: some people are meant to be used to win elections while some are meant to be given appointments and political dividends – Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, SSG Enugu State.”
The police accused Ugwuanyi of reposting the statement on his Facebook page, describing it as an act of cyberbullying and stalking against the SSG.
The charge stated that the alleged offence contravenes Section 24(2)(a)(b) and is punishable under Section 24(2)(c)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Following the arraignment, the presiding magistrate ordered that Ugwuanyi be remanded in prison custody.
Confirming the development, Ugwuanyi’s counsel, Barrister Frank Agbowo, said the influencer was arraigned on what he described as a non-bailable charge. In a Facebook post, Agbowo stated that the defence relied on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Enugu State, 2017—particularly Sections 88(b) and 225—as well as relevant case law, which he said empowered the magistrate to grant bail.
Despite the submissions, Agbowo said the court ordered Ugwuanyi’s remand.
“Regardless of our submissions, the magistrate went ahead to remand him in prison. We didn’t expect otherwise, but this one too will surely pass,” he wrote.
Ugwuanyi is accused of defaming Prof. Onyia through the disputed social media post.
