Police take social media user to court over alleged defamatory posts

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has filed a six-count criminal charge against a social media user, God’sown Monday Udoito (female), also known as Princess God’sown Udoito, before the High Court of Akwa Ibom State sitting in Uyo.

The charges, which border on criminal defamation, threats, publication of false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, stem from a petition dated January 10, 2026.

According to the police, the defendant allegedly used her Facebook account, “Princess God’sown Udoito,” which has over 20,000 followers, to publish and circulate false, misleading, defamatory and threatening statements and videos.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, said on Thursday, January 15, 2026, that investigations revealed that the posts allegedly accused the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, of unlawfully selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area to private entities and misappropriating the proceeds.

The police further alleged that some of the publications contained threats, including references to the use of “juju” and ancestral forces, as well as content capable of inciting fear, panic and public disorder, particularly in Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.

Udoito is facing charges of conspiracy to commit criminal defamation, criminal defamation, publication of defamatory matter with intent to intimidate, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, threats capable of causing fear and public disturbance, and publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm.

The offences are said to be contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 39, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and the Internal Security and Enforcement Law, Cap. 73, Vol. 4, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022.

The Police command reiterated that while freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Constitution, it does not extend to the dissemination of false information, defamatory content, threats or acts capable of undermining public peace and security. It warned social media users against abusing online platforms, noting that such actions would attract the full weight of the law.

The Command assured the public that the case would be prosecuted in line with due process and the rule of law, while the fundamental rights of the defendant would be respected.

Members of the public were also advised to verify information before sharing and to channel grievances through lawful means.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been remanded in correctional custody.