Police Arraign Nollywood Actor Ugezu J. Ugezu Over Alleged Defamatory Facebook Post

The Inspector-General of Police has arraigned Nollywood actor, Ugezu J. Ugezu, for alleged defamatory Facebook posts against politician, Mr Daniel Kanu.

Ugezu was arraigned before Justice Salim Ibrahim on a four-count charge bordering on cybercrime offences. He pleaded not guilty.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the police, in a charge filed by Anthony Egwu, accused the actor of describing Kanu as “a criminal, ex-convict and a political sycophant who did not end well for supporting General Abacha.”

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/440/2026, the 56-year-old was alleged to have transmitted the message through his Facebook account, “Ugezu J. Ugezu,” on or about May 19.

In one count, he was alleged to have intentionally sent the post through computer system or network wherein he stated, “Kanu was arrested and prosecuted over allegations related to financial fraud and illegal dealings involving a bank.”

In count two, he was alleged to have said, “After serving his sentence, Kanu largely withdrew from national politics and public attention. Unlike some other figures from that era, he did not successfully reinvent himself in mainstream Nigerian politics. Where is he now?”

Count three accused him of making a publication “suggesting that Kanu was a criminal, ex-convict, and political sycophant who did not end well for supporting General Abacha.”

The prosecution said the statements, which he knew were untrue, were made to bully, threaten or harass Kanu, by placing him in fear of death.

Ugezu denied the allegations.

Police lawyer, Kufreabasi Ebong, sought a trial date to present witnesses.

Counsel to the actor, Obi Nwakor, informed the court of their bail application.

Although opposed by the police, the judge held that the bail application was meritorious.

Justice Ibrahim admitted him to bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant not below Level 14.

He said the sureties must be residents of Abuja and must depose to affidavit of means.

In addition, one of the sureties must produce in court three years of tax clearance.

He said the sureties and the defendant should submit to the court their national ID cards and passport photographs.

The judge ordered that until all conditions are met, Ugezu shall remain in custody.

The matter was adjourned until February 10 for commencement of trial.