Angela Okorie Granted ₦5 Million Bail in Cyberstalking and Defamation Case
Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has been granted ₦5 million bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, following her re-arraignment over allegations of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the bail after listening to arguments from both the prosecution and the defence on a seven-count amended charge. The actress, a single mother, had previously been remanded at Suleja Prison on Wednesday after an initial court appearance.
Okorie’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), argued that the actress had not been given sufficient time to prepare her defence, noting that she only received a copy of the charge about an hour before the proceedings began. He also highlighted that Okorie had been brought from Lagos to Abuja without prior notice, making it difficult for her to coordinate care for her child.
The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye, urged the court to remand Okorie, citing her previous failure to honour police invitations and an alleged breach of administrative bail. The charges against her, filed under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/278/2025, allege that Okorie conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu (currently at large) to cyberstalk and defame fellow actress Mercy Johnson Okojie on Instagram and TikTok, reportedly calling her a “blood-sucking demon.” These offences are said to violate the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
Justice Nwite’s decision allows Okorie to remain free pending a formal bail application, which is scheduled for January 30.
Opinion: The Need for Fair Process in High-Profile Cases
This case underscores the delicate balance between enforcing the law and safeguarding the rights of the accused, particularly in high-profile matters that attract public attention. While cyberstalking and defamation are serious offences that require legal scrutiny, the handling of Okorie’s arrest and arraignment raises questions about procedural fairness.
Being transported across states without adequate notice and limited time to review charges could compromise the ability of any defendant to mount an effective defence. Justice Nwite’s granting of bail appears to be a step in the right direction, ensuring that Okorie can care for her child while preparing her case properly.
In an age where social media magnifies disputes and public opinion often precedes judicial process, it is vital that courts uphold the principle of fairness. Everyone, regardless of their celebrity status, deserves due process — and this bail decision reinforces that principle while allowing the legal process to continue responsibly.
This case also highlights the growing legal scrutiny around social media conduct, a reminder that words online can have serious real-world consequences, even for public figures.
