Defamation, cyberstalking trial resumes for bloggers accused of GTCO slander

As the trial of four bloggers for alleged cyberstalking of GTCO resumes, fresh details emerge on the accused’s activities and prior records

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal High Court in Lagos resumed the trial of four bloggers—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—facing defamation and cyberstalking charges for allegedly publishing unverified defamatory content against Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its leadership.

Also read: CBN reassures public of deposit safety, debunks allegations against GTCO

In his testimony, Investigating Police Officer (IPO) Mr Yaqob Sule described the first defendant, Eze, as a repeat offender, highlighting an earlier defamation charge from the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos.

During court proceedings, Sule, led by prosecution counsel Chief Ajibola Aribisala SAN, outlined that GTCO’s legal team initially petitioned the police in September 2024 over defamatory publications appearing across social media platforms.

These posts implicated GTCO, its CEO Mr Segun Agbaje, and the Central Bank of Nigeria in unverified claims, allegedly leading to public unrest.

Sule reported that upon arrest, all four defendants confessed to publishing the materials but denied confirming the authenticity before doing so, and rejected accusations of extortion.

The police investigation reportedly uncovered that the fourth defendant had registered two platforms, Newsjaunts.com and Thevision.com, which were allegedly used to negotiate financial incentives with GTCO’s legal representatives in exchange for removing damaging content.

Sule further testified that profiling of the defendants and forensic fingerprint analysis revealed that Eze had previously been granted bail in May 2024, following similar charges.

The defence counsel raised an objection to the admissibility of police statements, arguing they were not voluntarily obtained, leading Justice Ayokunle Faji to order a trial-within-trial for clarification and adjourned the case for continuation.

The Body of Bank CEOs has also voiced concern over social media attacks targeting Nigerian financial institutions, urging citizens to approach regulatory authorities with grievances rather than resort to online defamation.

Also read: GTCO dispels false allegations, takes legal action

Highlighting the vital role banks play in national economic stability, the statement warned against campaigns undermining trust in the industry and reaffirmed the commitment to transparency, professionalism, and proper grievance redress channels.

Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.