By Luminous Jannamike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has charged Felix Chukwuma Ashimole, a lawyer and publisher of Kubwa Express, with cyber harassment and defamation against fellow lawyer Jude Ezeobi.

The case, filed as Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/549/2024, was scheduled for arraignment before Honourable Justice Liman of Court 11, Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, 20th February 2025. However, the proceedings could not proceed as Ashimole was absent.

The charge sheet, made available to the media, details multiple allegations against Ashimole under the Cybercrimes (Protection, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

Prosecutors allege that he used online platforms, including WhatsApp groups and his news outlet, Kubwa Express, to publish false and defamatory statements aimed at damaging Ezeobi’s reputation and credibility.

According to the timeline of alleged offences, Ashimole first made defamatory claims on 21st August 2024 in a WhatsApp group called “Law Center,” which has over 540 members, mostly lawyers. He allegedly accused Ezeobi of creating a condolence WhatsApp group to fraudulently solicit funds for his late ex-wife’s burial.

The same day, Ashimole reportedly repeated similar claims in another WhatsApp group, “Law School Class of 2003,” which has over 700 members. Despite issuing an apology and deleting the initial posts, Ashimole allegedly republished the accusations in September 2024 on Kubwa Express.

Investigations also revealed that Ashimole allegedly sent a threatening message to Ezeobi, warning that he had documents that could “bury” him if he chose to escalate the matter. Prosecutors argue that this was an attempt to intimidate and silence Ezeobi.

The case is being prosecuted under Sections 24(1) and 24(2) of the Cybercrimes Act, which address cyber harassment, cyberstalking, and online defamation. If convicted, Ashimole could face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

The prosecution has submitted witness statements, WhatsApp messages, and articles from Kubwa Express as evidence to support the charges.

This high-profile case highlights the growing legal and societal concerns over the misuse of digital platforms to harm reputations, particularly within professional communities. The outcome could set a precedent for how Nigeria’s updated cybercrime laws are enforced in similar cases.

The arraignment has been rescheduled, and further developments are expected as the case progresses.