Anambra government arraigns blogger over alleged fake reports on Soludo, Son

The Anambra State Government has arraigned the publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Ejike Ofoegbu, over alleged criminal defamation and cybercrime linked to reports published about Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his family.

The development was disclosed on Monday by Anambra State New Media in a post on its X handle, confirming that Mr Ofoegbu appeared before the Magistrate Court in Amawbia to face charges.

According to the state government, the case centres on reports alleging misconduct involving Governor Soludo and his son, Ozonna, which authorities described as false and defamatory.

The arraignment follows Mr Ofoegbu’s earlier public apology and unconditional retraction of the reports, in which he admitted that the stories were fabricated.

In a statement titled “Public Apology and Full Retraction,” the publisher acknowledged that the reports were false and not based on verified facts or credible sources.

“I publicly admit that the stories I published concerning Governor Soludo and his son were completely fake, false, fabricated, and untrue. They did not come from Governor Soludo, his son, his family, or any official representative,” he stated.

Mr Ofoegbu also admitted that the publications were created to generate online traffic and financial gain, while apologising to Governor Soludo, his family, readers, and the people of Anambra State.

Among the retracted reports were claims that Governor Soludo had disowned his son and other allegations involving the governor’s family, all of which the publisher admitted were fabricated.

The case is expected to continue before the Magistrate Court as the state pursues the criminal defamation and cybercrime charges.