A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has sent Abia lawmaker Amobi Godwin Ogar to Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, over alleged criminal defamation and false declaration charges.
Justice Yusuf Halilu issued the order after the lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency was arrested and brought before the court.
The committal order dated June 24 stated that Ogar will remain in custody until July 6, 2026, when the case will resume.
The court document, titled Warrant of Commitment to Prison, said Ogar is standing trial in Charge No. CR/650/2024. The warrant directed the Kuje prison officer to keep him in custody until further court orders.
The federal government filed a five-count criminal charge against Ogar on July 31, 2024, over alleged criminal defamation and false declaration.
In count one, prosecutors accused him of making a false declaration in an affidavit dated May 18, 2023, at the FCT High Court registry in Abuja, involving Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, then Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
The prosecution alleged that Ogar claimed Onyejeocha told supporters at her residence that she had “bought over” tribunal judges, including Hon. Justice Halima Saleeman. The charge stated that he knew the claim was false.
In count two, the lawmaker was accused of making another false and defamatory statement in the same affidavit.
The statement allegedly claimed that Onyejeocha influenced the removal of a former panel chairman, Hon. Justice Halilu, to favour Hon. Justice Halima Saleeman.
In addition, the prosecution said the allegations amounted to offences under relevant sections of the Penal Code, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1963.
Count five also accused Ogar of making a false declaration against Onyejeocha with the intention of damaging her reputation. The charge stated that the alleged action caused harm to her reputation.
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Federal Ministry of Justice
Federal Capital Territory High Court
Nigerian National Assembly
