Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 29, 2026, for the arraignment of Ms Tracynither Ohiri, who is facing a 13-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Justice James Omotosho set the new date on Friday after the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, requested an adjournment to enable proper service of court documents on the defendant, who was absent in court.

The case, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, centres on multiple alleged defamatory social media publications said to have been made by Ohiri between 2023 and 2025 on platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and online media channels. The charge is registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/172/2026.

At the Friday sitting, neither the defendant nor her legal representative was present. The prosecution told the court that repeated attempts to serve her had failed, prompting the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and his team to travel to Lagos on April 20 to locate her, but were reportedly unable to serve her personally.

Justice Omotosho, while expressing concern over delays, warned that the case could be struck out if arraignment does not proceed promptly. The matter was consequently adjourned to April 29 for arraignment.

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The 13-count charge alleges that Ohiri made false and damaging claims against Umahi, including allegations that he threatened her life, abused his office, and owed her large sums of money.

In one count, she is accused of posting a TikTok video on October 16, 2023, alleging that Umahi threatened to kill her if she entered Ebonyi State. Another count references a March 8, 2024 video in which she allegedly accused the minister of victimising her for refusing sexual advances.

The prosecution further alleges that she circulated claims on social media and Sahara Reporters on March 28, 2025, alleging that Umahi owed her over ₦200 million for campaign-related services, an allegation the state says she knew to be false.

Other charges include accusations that she amplified defamatory content with intent to cause public hatred and reputational damage under provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The dispute reportedly originated from Ohiri’s claim that she was owed ₦250 million for printing and promotional services linked to Umahi’s 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. She further alleged that unpaid debts later escalated into personal disputes and threats.

The matter has also attracted public attention following her arrest in Lagos and transfer to Abuja, where she was initially arraigned before a magistrate court in Wuse and granted bail on related defamation charges.

Civil society voices, including activist Omoyele Sowore, previously criticised the handling of the case, arguing it raises broader concerns about the criminalisation of civil disputes and online speech in Nigeria.

The case also briefly escalated into controversy after Ohiri publicly accused her former lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, of mishandling negotiations and pressuring her to withdraw allegations. The lawyer denied wrongdoing, stating that she failed to provide evidence of contractual claims and later voluntarily issued a public apology to Umahi.

With the April 29 date now fixed, the court is expected to proceed with arraignment, where the defendant will take her plea on the multi-count cybercrime charges.

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called for a full autopsy and independent investigation following the death of one of its members, Ekpenyong Andrew, a Nigerian mechanic who was allegedly arrested by police officers in Pretoria and later found dead in a morgue under disputed circumstances.

Andrew was reportedly taken into custody on Sunday by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in the Booysens area while returning from work. According to NUSA, he was later discovered dead the following day at the Pretoria Central Morgue.

The union’s president, Smart Nwobi, confirmed the development in a statement, saying Andrew’s partner, Ms Kuma Kaku, recounted that police officers had earlier visited their home the same day of the arrest to conduct a search for drugs, which reportedly yielded no incriminating evidence.

Nwobi described the circumstances as deeply suspicious, stating that the discovery of Andrew’s body shortly after his arrest raises “serious concerns of possible foul play.” He added that a murder case has already been opened at the Hercules police station under the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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“NUSA categorically condemns this alleged extra-judicial killing and calls for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Andrew’s death,” the statement read.

The union is demanding several actions, including the immediate suspension of the four Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly involved, a probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and compensation for the deceased’s family if wrongdoing is established.

NUSA also said the matter has been escalated to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, urging diplomatic engagement to ensure accountability and justice.

The incident has added to growing concerns about deaths of Nigerians in South Africa police custody, a recurring issue that has previously triggered diplomatic complaints and calls for reforms in law enforcement conduct.

Human rights observers have also emphasized the importance of independent autopsies and transparent investigations in custody-related deaths to prevent allegations of cover-ups and ensure compliance with international policing standards.

Meanwhile, the union has appealed for calm among Nigerians living in South Africa, urging them to avoid retaliation and allow legal processes to take their course while monitoring developments closely.

South African authorities are yet to issue a detailed public statement on the case, but an official investigation is expected as custody-related deaths typically fall under the jurisdiction of IPID for independent review.

Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody

Recruitment: Police Announce Date for Nationwide Written Examination

The Police Service Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has fixed April 28 to 30, 2026, for the written examination of candidates seeking recruitment into the Police Constable cadre across Nigeria.

The examination, which covers both General Duty and Specialist categories, will be conducted simultaneously at approved centres in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, only candidates who successfully passed the physical and credentials screening stages will be eligible to participate in the next phase of the recruitment process.

The PSC directed shortlisted applicants to log on to the official recruitment portal, npfapplication.psc.gov.ng, from Friday, April 24, 2026, to print their Examination Invitation Cards. The card will contain details such as the candidate’s assigned centre, date, and time of examination.

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Candidates are required to appear at their designated centres with the following items:

• A pen
• National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with a clear photograph
• Printed Examination Invitation Card
• White shorts, white T-shirt, and white canvas shoes as the official dress code

Authorities emphasised that strict compliance with instructions is mandatory, warning that failure to present required documents or adhere to guidelines may lead to disqualification.

The PSC also reiterated that the entire recruitment exercise remains free of charge, warning applicants to avoid fraudsters and job racketeers who may attempt to exploit the process.

“The Police Service Commission reiterated that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge and cautions applicants against any form of job racketeering, scam, or financial inducement. Any individual found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

The recruitment drive is part of ongoing efforts by the federal government to boost manpower within the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen internal security operations amid rising security challenges across the country.

Security analysts say the exercise is crucial to addressing personnel shortages in the force, improving response capacity, and enhancing policing at community levels.

Applicants have been advised to regularly check official communication channels for updates and avoid relying on unofficial sources to prevent misinformation.

Recruitment: Police Announce Date for Nationwide Written Examination