A blogger, Mienapoma Saint, has been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja, for alleged cyberstalking and defamation.
The blogger was said to have defamed the character of the Presidential Amnesty Programme and its leadership, according to the Nigeria Police Force, National Cybercrime Centre that charged him to court.
Saint, associated with Naija Live TV, had published a report claiming that the PAP was carrying out fraudulent activities.
However, the NPF-NCCC alleged that the report disseminated by the blogger was fake and likely to cause a breach of the peace and threats to life.
Saint was brought before Justice Emeka Nwite on a three-count charge of alleged cyberstalking and defamation of character, but the blogger pleaded not guilty to the offence.
The blogger was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, as the matter was adjourned till December 4.
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According to the police unit, the accused was detained in the police custody on October 10, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.
The statement reads in part, “In an effort targeted at sanitizing the digital space and protecting its users, Officers of the Nigeria Police Force – National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) have concluded a thorough investigation into a complaint of alleged cyberstalking, defamation of character, acts likely to cause a breach of the peace, and threats to life.
“As a result, one Mienapoma Saint, associated with Naija Live TV, was taken into custody on the 10th of October 2023 in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
“The suspect had made serious allegations against the Amnesty programme and its leadership, implicating them in various heinous activities. These accusations investigated and found to be false, were originally disseminated through an online blogging site, Naijalivetv.com, and a Facebook account connected to the suspect.
“The arrest which was executed with the utmost professionalism, became necessary after carrying out a discreet investigation and conducting threat assessments on a series of posts linked to the suspects. The inciting and misleading posts were not just maliciously targeted at the program but touches upon sensitive matters that are integral to the unity of the Niger Delta Region and have the potential to disrupt peace and harmony in the Area.”