The police on Monday re-arraigned four bloggers—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—before the Federal High Court in Lagos on new charges related to cyberstalking and the publication of false allegations against Guaranty Trust Holding Company.
The fresh charges allege that the defendants used social media to disseminate misleading and damaging content targeting the company and its CEO, Segun Agbaje.
The bloggers, who initially faced two charges of cyberstalking and false publication on September 27, 2024, are now being tried on a broader 10-count charge.
These include conspiracy, cyberstalking, publishing false and misleading information, extortion, threats, and causing financial damage through the loss of shares and market value.
According to the charges, the defendants intentionally published “false, misleading, and unsubstantiated allegations” not only against GTCO and its top executives but also implicated the Central Bank of Nigeria and the wider Nigerian banking sector.
The prosecution contends that these allegations were calculated to “cause disorder” and tarnish the bank’s reputation. Additionally, it is alleged that the bloggers used these falsehoods to extort GTCO.
After the defendants entered their pleas, Justice Ayokunle Faji ordered their remand at a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
The fresh charges underscore the broader impact the alleged actions had on both the institution’s public image and the financial market.
