Nine defendants have been charged with six counts by the federal government for allegedly spreading false information over the current rumor that Senate President Godswil Akpabio was going to be impeached.
The charge, designated FHC/ABJ/CR/555/2024, was submitted on October 21 by A. A. Yusuf, the Federation’s Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Recall that on October 16, the defendants were accused of publishing false material claiming that the Department of State Services had besieged the National Assembly in an attempt to impeach Akpabio.
The Federal Government filed a lawsuit against Oke Epia, the founder/publisher and executive director of Order Paper, Tony Okeke Ofodile, the head of operations, and the Incorporated Trustee of Order Paper, whose website the alleged false material was posted.
Edna Bill Ulaeto (Admin/Finance Executive) and Elizabeth Atime (National Assembly main reporter, report author) were also added as the fourth and fifth accused.
As sixth and ninth defendants, respectively, were Regina Udo (Coordinator of Programs), Leah Twaki (Social Media Executive), Idongesit Joseph Ekoh (Admin Support), and Edoesomi Sharon Omonegho (National Assembly Correspondent).
In count one, the prosecution accused the Order Paper (Incorporated Trustee), of Suit C12, Halima Plaza, Plot 1496, Balanga Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, through its agents; Oke Epia, Tony Okeke Ofordile, Edna Bill Ulacto, and Elizabeth Atime, and others at large, of publishing a false information via its online platform.
