AWKA, Nigeria – An Anambra State High Court in Nnewi has sentenced South African-based activist Boniface Okonkwo to 18 months in prison on defamation charges against prominent businessman Emeka Offor.
Presiding over the case, Justice Vincent Agbata found Okonkwo guilty of making defamatory statements on the “Oraifite WhatsApp platform,” where he referred to Offor’s meter manufacturing company as an “empty warehouse.”
However, the judge allowed Okonkwo the option of a N500,000 fine in lieu of imprisonment.
Justice Agbata ruled that the evidence, including a phone call allegedly made by Okonkwo and identified through the Truecaller app as “overheat,” was sufficient to support the conviction.
Offor had lodged a formal complaint in January 2024, leading to Okonkwo’s arrest and detention.
Agbata noted that both Offor and Okonkwo hail from the same Oraifite community and belong to a WhatsApp group of Oraifite members, a common ground in the trial.
He further highlighted that the publication surfaced shortly after a community event attended by Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, among other dignitaries.
During the trial, Okonkwo’s counsel argued a defence of justification and fair comment but later fully denied the publication.
Following the verdict, defence lawyer S.I. Okonkwo expressed dissatisfaction with the judgment but acknowledged relief at the option of a fine.
He remarked, “The defence did a good job… The person who owns the radio station and the meter factory said to be defamed was not Emeka Offor, but corporate bodies.”
He added that the defence would review the judgment to determine their next steps.
The case highlights ongoing legal battles concerning defamation and social media in Nigeria, where courts continue to navigate the complexities of online statements and reputational harm.
