PDP Ward Chairman Arraigned Over Alleged Cyberstalking, Defamation

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Illoba Obata, was on Monday arraigned at the Federal High Court in Asaba over allegations of cyberstalking and defamation.

Obata, who holds the position of PDP Ward 2 Chairman in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, was apprehended by law enforcement following claims of cyberstalking.

In Charge No. FHC/ASB/70C/2024, the Inspector General of Police is the complainant, with Obata named as the defendant. He is accused of orchestrating a campaign intended to harass and defame the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

These allegations fall under the provisions of the Cyber Crimes Act of 2015 and the Criminal Code Act.

As detailed in the charge sheet provided to PUNCH Metro on Monday in Asaba, the alleged offenses include “Conspiracy to Commit Cyberstalking.”

Obata, along with accomplices who are currently at large, is said to have conspired to engage in cyberstalking between July and August 2023 in Ogwashi-Uku.

This offence is classified as a felony and is charged under Section 27 of the Cyber Crimes Act of 2015.

A key allegation against Mr. Obata includes creating and sharing a video on social media purportedly showing “one Afamefuna Ubaka, a suspect facing murder charges—being brought to the Obi’s palace, where he was purportedly beaten and mistreated.”

The charge sheet states, “The aim of the video was to expose the Obi and Chief Gabriel Ohai to public ridicule and hatred. This act is in violation of Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.”

Another charge accuses Obata of conspiracy to defame the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, stating, “Mr. Obata is also charged with conspiracy to defame, alongside accomplices who remain at large. The prosecution alleges that this conspiracy, also between July and August 2023, sought to damage the reputation of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku by associating him with actions that would bring disrepute. This offence is punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2010.”

It added: “This charge mirrors the second count, further reinforcing the accusations of cyberstalking with intent to cause harm to the Obi’s reputation through digital platforms.”

Naija News learnt that the Federal High Court granted Obata bail, though he has yet to meet all the bail conditions.