The Anambra State Police Command has arraigned the alleged owner and publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and iNews, Mr. Ejike Ofoegbu, before a competent court over allegations of publishing false and defamatory reports against the family of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, July 13, saying the arraignment followed the suspect’s transfer from the Department of State Services (DSS) in Awka and the conclusion of police investigations into the matter.
According to Ikenga, the case stems from a petition accusing Ofoegbu of publishing “fabricated, untrue, and defamatory reports” capable of damaging the reputation of the governor’s family and inciting public disaffection.
“The arraignment followed the Command’s receipt of the suspect from the Department of State Services Awka, and the conclusion of Police investigations into a petition alleging the publication of false information capable of causing reputational harm and inciting public disaffection,” he said.
The police spokesman disclosed that the court subsequently ordered the remand of the defendant in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
“To this end, the suspect has been remanded in a correctional centre in the State. The Command also notes that it will refrain from making further comments, as this may prejudice the ongoing court proceedings,” Ikenga added.
He further urged journalists, publishers and members of the public to verify information before publication and adhere to professional ethics in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“The Command advises members of the public, media practitioners, and publishers to exercise due diligence in verifying information before publication and to adhere to the ethics of responsible journalism and the provisions of extant laws governing the dissemination of information,” the statement said.
