Cleric Drags Two to Court in Imo Over Cyber-bullying.

OWERRI:  Growing concerns over cyber bullying, online harassment, and defamation on social media platforms have continued to generate debate across Nigeria, with many victims seeking legal remedies while others choose not to pursue court action for personal, financial, or other reasons. Against this backdrop, a priest of the Anglican Communion in the Diocese of Orlu, Imo State, Reverend Chinedu Nmezi, has approached the Federal High Court in Owerri seeking legal redress over alleged cyber bullying, intimidation, and threats to life directed at him and his wife.

Rev. Nmezi, a Canada-based cleric and philanthropist, alleged that two individuals, Victor Onukogu and Nzube Collins, used separate Facebook accounts to publish defamatory and offensive content against him and his wife, Evangelist Vivian Nmezi. Speaking to journalists in Owerri shortly after proceedings at the Federal High Court, the cleric said the alleged online attacks occurred before his family travelled from Canada to Nigeria for the 2025 Christmas celebrations.

According to him, “Before my family returned from Canada for the Christmas celebration last year, we were bullied by Victor Onukogu and Nzube Collins on their separate social media accounts.”

Rev. Nmezi further alleged that the publications contained threats and other remarks he considered harmful to his family. “Upon seeing the malicious write-up, I felt deeply disturbed and reported the matter to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The case was subsequently transferred to the Imo State Police Command for investigation,” he said.

The cleric noted that while many victims of online attacks often choose to ignore such incidents or avoid lengthy legal processes, he decided to seek judicial intervention to address what he described as persistent harassment and threats. At the court sitting, the prosecutor for the Imo State Police Command, Sam Obodo, informed the court that the defendants were being prosecuted in connection with offences arising from the allegations before the court.

The matter, marked FHC/OW/19C/2026, came before Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri. Following submissions by counsel and the prosecution, the court adjourned the case until July 16, 2026, for further hearing.

No plea was taken at the June 2 sitting. Efforts by Umuaka Times to obtain comments from the defendants were unsuccessful as of press time.

From the findings made by Umuaka Times, the increasing use of social media platforms has brought greater opportunities for communication and public engagement, but it has also been accompanied by growing complaints of cyber bullying, cyber stalking, misinformation, character assassination, and online defamation. Across the country, individuals, public officials, business owners, religious leaders, and other citizens have reported being targets of online attacks. While some have sought redress through the courts and law-enforcement agencies, others have opted against litigation due to personal considerations, financial constraints, or concerns about the lengthy nature of legal proceedings.

Cyber bullying-related offences in Nigeria are primarily governed by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which criminalizes certain forms of online harassment, cyber stalking, intimidation, threats, and the transmission of false or offensive messages through electronic means.

The law provides penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment upon conviction, depending on the nature and severity of the offence.

In addition, individuals who believe their reputations have been harmed by online publications may pursue civil remedies, including claims for defamation and damages, while courts may also issue orders restraining further publication of offending content. Legal experts, however, note that allegations of cyber bullying and defamation must be proven in court. They also emphasize that constitutional protections for freedom of expression remain applicable, particularly in matters involving fair comment, opinion, and issues of public interest.

For Rev. Nmezi, the pending court action represents an attempt to seek legal resolution to allegations he says have affected his family and reputation. The court is expected to continue hearing the matter when proceedings resume on July 16.