Mr Ejike Ogbonna, an Imo State-based journalist and publisher of First Citizen newspaper, was granted bail by a Magistrate Court sitting in Owerri, the state capital, in the sum of N2 million, after he was detained for 30 days at the Tiger Base police unit for alleged cybercrime against a government official.
Other bail conditions given to the publisher include the provision of a surety who must show proof of ownership of a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, and a traditional ruler to endorse the bail bond.
Mr Ogbonna, who was brought to court in handcuffs, is standing trial on a four-count charge. He was accused of cyberbullying and defaming the character of the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Compliance, Mr Chinasa Nwaneri, through a voice note allegedly circulated via social media.
The case was thereafter adjourned to October 3, 2025, for hearing.
