From Francis Sadhere, Delta

The Federal High Court sitting in Asaba on Thursday delivered a landmark judgment in the fight against cyberbullying and online defamation, convicting Prince Frank Ohei of cyberstalking and sentencing him to six months’ imprisonment.The conviction stems from a series of defamatory messages Ohei posted on a community WhatsApp group targeting Pastor Ikechukwu Okelue, his family, and his church.

Ohei, a prominent member of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), used the association’s digital platform to make baseless accusations that sparked widespread outrage within the Ogwashi-Uku community. After repeated efforts to resolve the matter informally failed, Pastor Okelue reported the issue to law enforcement authorities. Following a thorough investigation, the Inspector General of Police filed formal cyberstalking charges against Ohei.Delivering judgment on Thursday, the court found Ohei guilty as charged and handed down a six-month prison sentence.However, in a move some observers described as lenient, the judge allowed the convict to pay a fine in lieu of serving jail time.The decision followed emotional appeals by Ohei’s legal team and family members. The convict reportedly expressed remorse for his actions during the proceedings.In his reaction to the court’s ruling, Pastor Okelue said he felt vindicated by the judgment. “I was deeply wounded by the defamatory posts made by the convict, and even more so by the failure of the ODA executives and the group administrators to take action.“They watched in silence while my reputation was dragged through the mud. Let this serve as a stern warning to those who think they can destroy others online without consequence,” he said.Despite the serious nature of the charges, Ohei received open support throughout the trial from some members of the ODA executive—a move, critics have condemned as a shameful display of misplaced loyalty.In a related development, the Federal High Court in Asaba is also hearing a cyberstalking case against Iloba Obata, another member of the ODA WhatsApp group, who is currently facing two separate murder charges at the Delta State High Court.Obata is accused of publishing defamatory videos and posts targeting community members in the same digital forum. His trial, also initiated by the Inspector General of Police, is ongoing.Legal experts and community leaders are hailing Thursday’s judgment as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s efforts to clamp down on digital misconduct and enforce accountability on social media platforms.The case buttressed a growing recognition that freedom of expression online must be balanced with responsibility and respect for others’ reputations.“This conviction sends a strong message,” said one legal analyst in Asaba. “Community platforms, even informal ones like WhatsApp groups, are not above the law. Defamation and cyberbullying will be met with serious legal consequences.”

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as “mischievous” allegations made against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and Dr. Dennis Otuaro by the Itsekiri Progress Group (IPG) and other unnamed Itsekiri organizations.

In a statement by Nicholas Igarama (Chairman), Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo, Esq (Secretary) and Tare Magbei (Information Officer), the Council described the allegations as baseless and rooted in frustration over the recent delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency. ”Ordinarily, Council would not react to mischievous allegations such as the ones raised by these elements who are frustrated by the outcome of the recent delineation exercise… but doing so could allow falsehood to appear as truth,” the statement read.The IYC defended the roles played by both Tompolo and Dr. Otuaro in promoting development and peace in the Niger Delta region, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.The Council highlighted the achievements of Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, noting its contributions to environmental protection and increased oil production, as well as its employment of thousands of Niger Delta youths, including many from the Itsekiri ethnic group.Similarly, Dr. Otuaro was praised for his leadership of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), which the Council said had been transformed into a beacon of hope for the region.The IYC also took responsibility for organizing the recent Boro Day celebration in Warri, explaining that Dr. Otuaro’s appearance at the event was at the Council’s invitation.It rejected claims that the peaceful procession had any connection to the joint statement by Ijaw and Urhobo groups urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement the outcome of the delineation exercise.The Council reminded critics that First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu is a mother to all Nigerians, not just the Itsekiri people, and thus, any group has the right to appeal to her.Expressing concern over the conduct of some Itsekiri youths during protests, the IYC accused them of stepping beyond their jurisdiction, damaging property, and attacking Ijaw residents—actions it warned could provoke retaliation and destabilize the region.The Council called on the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other Itsekiri leaders to caution their youths and maintain peace.Finally, the IYC urged President Tinubu to direct INEC to implement the delineation outcome promptly to forestall any looming crisis and ensure continued progress in his administration.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Delta State has emerged as Nigeria’s fifth-largest economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $15.3 billion (N6.1 trillion) as of December 2024, according to the Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen.The announcement was made during a media seminar held in Asaba recently, themed “Impact of Adequate Reporting of the M.

O. R.E Agenda to the Grassroots.” The seminar was organized by the Government House Press Unit for community newspaper publishers across the state.Ekedayen, represented by his Special Assistant, Charles Iyoha, attributed the economic milestone to strategic planning and the successful implementation of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda.“This remarkable achievement is not by chance. It is the result of deliberate economic planning and reforms that have positioned Delta as a leading sub-national economy in Nigeria,” he said.According to the commissioner, the oil and gas sector remains the cornerstone of the state’s economy, contributing 48.7% to the GDP. However, he emphasized that other sectors—services, agriculture, and manufacturing—are experiencing significant growth, making the state increasingly attractive to investors.“The services sector, particularly tourism, entertainment, and education, is booming,” Ekedayen noted. “Asaba has become a major hub for Nollywood, and our 13 universities are driving local business growth and urban development.”He also revealed impressive growth in internally generated revenue (IGR), which rose by 90%—from N83 billion in January 2023 to N158 billion in December 2024—without any increase in taxes.In addition, Delta State has slashed its public debt by 46.6%, from N465.3 billion to N249.2 billion. Ekedayen said this was achieved through smart fiscal management, freeing up resources for strategic investments.Key economic initiatives include the revival of the Kwale/Koko Free Trade Zone and the N1 billion DTSG/BOI Fund, which provides low-interest loans to young entrepreneurs. The state is also advancing agricultural development through public-private partnerships for dry-season farming and leading environmental sustainability with a carbon credit initiative that preserves 207 hectares of mangrove forest.On social development, the commissioner highlighted programs such as Delta Cares and the Women Empowerment Skills Acquisition Program (WESAP), which are designed to support vulnerable groups and ensure inclusive growth.Ekedayen urged community newspaper publishers to amplify the state’s development successes and economic progress. “Your platforms are essential to promoting Delta’s investment opportunities, cultural heritage, and growth story to grassroots audiences and beyond,” he stated.The seminar concluded with strong expressions of support from community media representatives, who pledged to help disseminate the state’s development narrative and attract broader public engagement with government initiatives.