Journalist Agba Jalingo has been discharged and acquitted by an Abuja Federal High Court in a cybercrime case brought against him by Mrs.
Elizabeth Alami Ayade. Jalingo, the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, was accused of committing offenses punishable under Section 24 (1)b of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015, as shown in court documents for suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/565/2022.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled in favor of Jalingo, dismissing all charges. The case was initiated by Mrs. Ayade, the wife of Frank Ayade, the younger brother of Senator Ben Ayade, the former Governor of Cross River State. Mrs. Ayade had filed a petition with the police, leading to Jalingo's arrest and subsequent charges under the Cybercrimes Act.
The charges were based on a Facebook post by Jalingo that discussed alleged examination malpractice at the Abuja campus of the Nigerian Law School. Mrs. Ayade claimed the post caused her "ill will" and "insult." However, the court found no grounds for these accusations and cleared Jalingo of all charges.
On May 8, 2024, reported that the prosecution had closed its cyberstalking case against Jalingo. The police had argued that the publication by Jalingo was false and intended to cause annoyance, ill will, and insult to Mrs. Ayade. Despite these claims, the court's ruling vindicated Jalingo, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and the right to free speech.
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