Eniola Ambosege
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arraigned a social media user, God’sown Monday Udoito, also known as Princess God’sown Udoito, before the Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo Judicial Division, over alleged defamation and public order offences.
The defendant, a Facebook user with over 20,000 followers, was charged on six counts bordering on criminal defamation, threats, publication of false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, the charges followed a petition dated January 10, 2026, which accused the defendant of using her Facebook account to publish and circulate false, misleading, defamatory and threatening statements and videos.
Police investigations allegedly revealed that Udoito published content accusing the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, of unlawfully selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area to private entities and misappropriating the proceeds.
The police said further investigations showed that the publications allegedly 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.
The charges against the defendant include 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 noted that the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
Azare reiterated that while freedom of expression is guaranteed under the Constitution, it does not extend to the spread of falsehoods, defamatory materials, threats or actions capable of undermining public peace and security.
He warned social media users against abusing online platforms to disseminate false information or incite unrest, adding that such acts would attract the full weight of the law.
The police assured that the case would be diligently prosecuted in line with due process, 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.
