The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against nine individuals, including a National Assembly reporter, in connection with allegations of disseminating false information regarding rumors of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s impeachment.
The six-count charge, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/555/2024, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on October 21 by A. A. Yusuf, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation.
Reports indicated that the defendants published misleading information on October 16, claiming that the Department of State Services had besieged the National Assembly in an effort to impeach Akpabio.
The legal action targets the Incorporated Trustee of Order Paper, the online platform where the false information was reportedly disseminated. Key defendants include Oke Epia, Founder and Executive Director of Order Paper, and Tony Okeke Ofodile, Head of Operations, who are listed as the first and second defendants, respectively.
Additionally, Edna Bill Ulaeto, the Admin/Finance Executive, and Elizabeth Atime, the National Assembly lead reporter and author of the contentious report, are named as the fourth and fifth defendants.
The remaining defendants include Regina Udo (Coordinator of Programmes), Leah Twaki (Social Media Executive), Idongesit Joseph Ekoh (Admin Support), and Edoesomi Sharon Omonegho (National Assembly correspondent), listed as the sixth to ninth defendants.
In the first count, the prosecution accuses the Order Paper (Incorporated Trustee) and its agents—Epia, Ofodile, Ulaeto, and Atime—of publishing false information via their online platform.
This legal action underscores the government’s stance against the spread of misinformation, particularly regarding sensitive political matters. The case is being closely watched as it raises questions about press freedom and accountability in reporting.
