Nollywood Actor Ugezu J. Ugezu Arraigned Over Alleged Defamatory Facebook Posts

Nollywood actor Ugezu J. Ugezu has pleaded not guilty to four cybercrime charges filed against him over alleged defamatory publications about politician Daniel Kanu on Facebook.

The 56-year-old actor was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a four-count charge brought by the Inspector-General of Police. He appeared before Justice Salim Ibrahim, where he denied all the allegations against him.

According to information made available to Bush Radio Academy, the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/440/2026, accused Ugezu of publishing several allegedly defamatory statements about Kanu on his Facebook page, Ugezu J. Ugezu, on or around May 19, 2026.

The police alleged that one of the publications portrayed Kanu as a criminal and former convict, while also making claims about his political association with the administration of former military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

The actor was further accused of publishing allegations that Kanu had previously been arrested and prosecuted over alleged financial fraud and unlawful transactions involving a bank.

Another publication reportedly questioned Kanu’s whereabouts after he allegedly withdrew from national politics and public activities.

According to the prosecution, Ugezu knew the claims were false but deliberately published them with the intention of intimidating, threatening or harassing the politician and causing him to fear for his safety.

However, the actor denied the accusations and maintained his not-guilty plea throughout the proceedings.

During the court session, the police prosecutor, Kufreabasi Ebong, requested a date for the commencement of trial. Meanwhile, Ugezu’s lawyer, Obi Nwakor, informed the court that the defence had submitted a bail application and urged the judge to release his client pending the determination of the case.

Although the prosecution opposed the application, Justice Ibrahim granted the actor bail in the sum of ₦20 million with two sureties.

The judge directed that one of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 or above, while both must reside in Abuja and submit affidavits of means.

The court also required the sureties to provide three years of tax clearance certificates. In addition, the actor and both sureties must submit their National Identity Cards and passport photographs as part of the bail conditions.

Despite granting the bail application, Justice Ibrahim ordered that Ugezu remain in custody until all the requirements attached to his release have been fulfilled.

The case was subsequently adjourned until February 10, 2027, for the commencement of trial.