How Court sent Rep Ogah to Kuje prison over alleged criminal defamation

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of a member of the House of Representatives, Amobi Godwin Ogah, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja over allegations of criminal defamation and false declaration.

Justice Yusuf Halilu issued the committal order after the lawmaker, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, was arrested and brought before the court.

According to the warrant of commitment dated June 24, the federal lawmaker will remain in custody until July 6, 2026, when proceedings in the case are scheduled to resume.

The court document, issued in Charge No. CR/650/2024, directed the authorities at the Kuje Correctional Centre to detain the lawmaker pending further orders of the court.

The Federal Government had, on July 31, 2024, filed a five-count charge against Ogah, accusing him of criminal defamation and making false declarations.

The prosecution alleged that in May 2023, Ogah swore to an affidavit claiming that then Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, told her supporters she had influenced members of the election tribunal, including Justice Halima Saleeman, to secure a favourable judgment.

The government further alleged that the lawmaker falsely claimed the former minister orchestrated the removal of Justice Yusuf Halilu from the tribunal panel to pave the way for Justice Halima Saleeman, whom he alleged she personally knew.

According to the prosecution, the statements were false, defamatory and intended to damage Onyejeocha’s reputation, contrary to provisions of the Penal Code.

One of the charges also accused Ogah of making false declarations with the intention of destroying the former minister’s reputation, causing reputational harm.

The case has been adjourned until July 6, 2026, for further proceedings.