Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
A radio broadcaster in Imo State, Mr. Chinonso Uba, popularly known as Nonsonkwa has been arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force before a Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday on a two-count charge after 3 weeks in detention.
The charge labeled against Mr. Uba who was arrested in Owerri on July 27, 2023, and has been detained at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, bordered on insulting Governor Hope Uzodinma and ex Niger Delta militant leader, Asari Dokubo.
The police in charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/367/2023 between Inspector General of Police vs Chinonso Uba told the court that Uba’s offense contravenes the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.
The charges read: “Count One: That you CHINONSO UBA ‘m’ of on or about the 24th day of June 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court intentionally sent a message by means of computer and social media networks such as Facebook etc, made a video accusing Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Asari Dokubo (sic) killed 100 (hundred) of Imo Youth and also burning houses in Imo State, with the intention of instigating Imo State people and Igbo Tribe worldwide against the Governor knowing the said information to be false and with intent to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to him and thereby committed an offense contrary and punishable under Section 24 (1) (B) Cyber Crime Prohibition Act.
“Count two: That you CHINONSO UBA ‘m’ of on or about the 24th day of June 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly and intentionally made and transmitted a video via your Facebook social media handle and or any communication through a computer system or network with the intention to bully, threaten or harass the Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma, that he and Asari Dokubo killed 100 (Hundred) of Imo Youths and also burned their houses with the intention of instigating the youth against him and such communication places him in fear of death, violence or bodily harm to him and members of his family and thereby committed an offence contrary to 24 (2) (A) and punishable under Section 24 (2) (C) of the CyberCrime Prohibition Act.”
Ikengaonline learned that the accused radio journalist pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
Meanwhile, Mr. Uba was denied bail and ordered to remain in police custody till September when the court would resume, when he would be arraigned in a proper court since his case was not urgent.
Mr. Chinonso Uba is an OnAir Presenter with Osisa FM Owerri, a radio station.
