ABUJA, NIGERIA – Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to journalist Agba Jalingo on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Jalingo was granted bail to the tune of N500,000, with one surety in like sum, after being accused of publishing a story that allegedly insulted Mrs. Elizabeth Ayade, the wife of the younger brother of Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade.
On Monday, Justice Abubakar had remanded Jalingo in prison after his arraignment by the Nigerian Police Force. Jalingo faced charges related to alleged cybercrime and was specifically accused of engaging in a false publication intended to cause annoyance, ill will, and insult to Mrs. Ayade.
Jalingo pleaded not guilty to the charges, which are punishable under section 24 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In addition to the N500,000 bail bond, Justice Abubakar ruled that the surety must be an owner of a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The title deed of the said property must be deposited with the deputy registrar in charge of litigations of the courts. Furthermore, the court held that the surety must also depose to an affidavit of means.
While the case has been adjourned until May 31 for trial, Justice Abubakar ordered that Jalingo remain in prison custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
