The Federal High Court in Lagos has denied the bail application of the four Bloggers charged with defaming and cyberstalking the management of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), including its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.
News About Nigeria recalls that the bloggers were in September remanded in prison for allegedly cyberstalking and spreading false information aimed at insulting and undermining the person of Agbaje.
The four of them, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, are facing 10 amended charges for allegedly publishing false information about the company through various social media platforms.
The court in its judgement on Friday dismissed the bail applications, citing the serious nature of the alleged offences, which include charges that could lead to 14 years in prison.
According to Justice Ayokunle Faji, their actions pose a threat to the banking sector, particularly since some of the charges involve cross-border activities on the Internet.
He also noted that one of the defendants (Precious Eze) has consistently shown the tendency to commit the offence again if he is released on bail.
Giving details on this claim, the Judge revealed that Eze is currently charged with a similar offence in another court and was on bail when he went ahead to commit the alleged offence for which he is now standing trial.
The Judge also ordered an accelerated trial, underlining the gravity of the charges.
He also noted that the defendants’ actions challenged the authority of regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which had approved GTCO’s audited statements.
Justice Faji however adjourned the matter until the 10th and 12th of December for continuation of the trial.
