Federal Govt Files Cybercrime Case Against Ex-Envoy, Others

The federal government has filed a three-count criminal charge against a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia, Nwannebuike Ominyi Eze, for alleged cybercrime offences at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The amended charge, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/654/, stemmed from alleged false and damaging statements published on an online platform and other social media platforms, which allegedly harmed the reputation of Chief Emmanuel Ogai, a prominent Nigerian industrialist and chief executive officer of Frontfield Group of Companies.

The prosecution, in the court documents, alleged that on or about March 22, 2025, within the jurisdiction of the court, the defendants used computer networks to disseminate statements accusing Ogai of colluding with officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to remove Ominyi’s name from the NYSC national database after the completion of the 2005 service year.

The government contended that the statements were false and made with the knowledge that Ambassador Ominyi did not complete a full-time academic programme at Ebonyi State University and was not qualified to participate in the compulsory NYSC scheme.

The prosecution further alleged that the publications were intended to cause harm, criminal intimidation, enmity, anxiety and hatred against Ogai.

In count one, the defendants were accused of conspiracy to damage the reputation of Ogai by making malicious publications, including claims that he is a “serial blackmailer,” through online platforms. The offence is punishable under Section 27(1)(a)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).

Count two stated that the defendants falsely claimed that Ogai was behind the efforts to disqualify Ominyi as an ambassadorial nominee to replace him, statements, the prosecutors say, were intended to expose the industrialist to hatred, harassment, bullying and reputational damage, contrary to Section 24(2)(a) of the Act.

The third count claimed that the defendants knowingly transmitted false statements through computer networks with the intent to cause harm, an offence punishable under Section 24(2)(a)(b) of the Cybercrime Act.

The defendants are expected to take their plea when the matter comes up for arraignment before the Court in Abuja.