The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Nollywood actress Angela Okorie bail of ₦5 million in a case involving alleged criminal defamation and cyberstalking against fellow actress Mercy Johnson.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the bail after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, following Okorie’s re-arraignment on a seven-count amended charge.
Recall that Nwite had on Wednesday remanded Angela Okorie in Suleja Prison, Niger State, until January 30, when her bail application would be heard, following her arraignment by police on a three-count charge.
The police allege that she conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu, who is now at large, to commit cyberstalking and defamation by calling Mercy Johnson Okojie a “blood-sucking demon” in social media posts on Instagram and TikTok.
According to the police, the offences, allegedly committed in 2024, violate the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
In the resumed proceedings on Friday, Okorie pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution to request a short adjournment to enable them to open their case.
Counsel to the defendant did not oppose the prosecution’s submission and informed the court of a bail application for the defendant.
While praying the court to exercise its discretion in favor of Okorie, the prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing that the defendant had previously jumped administrative bail granted by the police.
The prosecution further stated that sureties were unavailable, necessitating Okorie’s re-arrest to be brought to court.
In response, counsel to the defendant, Earnest Nwoye, noted that she did not jump bail, but went for a medical check-up, which she had communicated to the police.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Okorie’s bail application moved by her lawyer, held that although the prosecution opposed the request, there was no concrete evidence before the court to prove that the defendant would jump bail if granted.
“Therefore, I am minded to grant the bail in the interest of justice,” Justice Nwite said, noting that bail is at the discretion of the court, which must be exercised judicially and judiciously.
The judge admitted Okorie to ₦5 million bail with one surety, who must depose to an affidavit of means and be a level 13 civil servant.
He also directed that the surety produce his appointment letter and the letter of his last promotion in the service.
The judge ordered Okorie and her surety to submit two passport photographs to the court registrar and that the residence of the surety be verified by the registrar.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until March 23 for trial and ordered Okorie to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
