A 64-year-old human rights activist, Osita Obi, on Friday, appeared at an Amawbia Magistrates’ Court in Awka, Anambra State, over alleged defamatory Facebook content against the Catholic diocese of Awka.
The defendant, who resides at Ezewuzie Street, Ifite, Awka, is
arraigned on one-count charge of defamation brought against him, however, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution counsel, Ms I. J. Umeh, holding brief for Mr A. G. Obi of the Legal Department, Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, told the court that the offence was committed on Aug.15 at Awka.
“That you, Osita Obi on Aug. 15, 2025, did knowingly and intentionally publish defamatory statements through your Facebook page known as ‘OSITA OBI’ and another Facebook page known as ‘IGBO HISTORY’.
“In the post, you alleged that the Catholic Diocese of Awka was no better than Boko Haram and bandits; and that it was better to deal with Lucifer than to deal with the said Church.
“The said statement, which you knew to be false, was calculated to injure the reputation of Rev. Fr. Chudy Aguinam and the members of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, exposing them to hatred, contempt, and ridicule before right-thinking members of the public,” he said.
She said the offence contravened Sections 324(a) and punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra, 1991, as amended.
The Presiding Magistrate E. C. Chukwu asked the defendant, Obi, if he had any personal issues with the Awka Catholic Diocese.
Obi confirmed, alleging that the Diocese had once petitioned the police against his wife, a retired FIRS Deputy Director, accusing her of aiding kidnapping.
He said the police arrested and detained his wife for hours, but the Commissioner of Police had yet to provide the investigation report despite his petition.
Obi claimed the situation had endangered his family.
He further alleged that the Diocese broke into his wife’s rented shop, threw her goods into the rain, and claimed to have a court judgment obtained without proper service.
He accused the Diocese of publicly humiliating his wife and branding her a criminal.
Counsel to the defendant, Mrs Blessing Arinze-Obi, who appeared on behalf of Mr Martins Obi, urged the court to grant her client bail.
She assured the court that the defendant would remain available and not abscond if granted bail.
Magistrate E. C. Chukwu admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200,000 with a reliable surety in like sum.
Chukwu also ordered both parties to refrain from making any inflammatory or prejudicial comments about the case until its final determination.
The case was adjournment until Dec. 15 for trial.
