Woman Remanded Over Alleged Cyberstalking of Shade Okoya

A 35-year-old woman, Ifeoma Nwafor, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos following her arraignment over alleged cyberstalking of businesswoman and Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited, Mrs Folashade Okoya.

Nwafor was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and alleged cyberstalking of Okoya, who is the wife of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N3 million, with two sureties in like sum. However, because the bail conditions had not been perfected, the court ordered that Nwafor remain in custody pending compliance with the requirements.

Three-Count Charge

The case, marked FHC/LAG/CR/819/2026, was filed by the police against Nwafor.

According to the prosecution, Nwafor and others who are still at large allegedly conspired in June 2026 along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos to commit a felony.

The police further alleged that the defendant participated in the publication of materials on Instagram which were described by the prosecution as offensive, false, malicious and calculated to cause annoyance, injury, fear, intimidation, enmity or needless anxiety to Okoya.

The prosecution specifically referred to Instagram accounts including @cutie_juis and @truestorieswithifeomafa in connection with the alleged publications.

It was also alleged that photographs of Okoya and statements concerning her were published online.

Another Instagram account, @truestorieswithifeomafans, was reportedly cited by the prosecution over a publication it described as derogatory and calculated to expose Okoya to mockery, ridicule, gossip, suspicion and scandal.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

Nwafor pleaded not guilty to all three counts brought against her.

Her plea means that the allegations remain matters to be determined through the judicial process and should not be treated as established facts at this stage.

The defence counsel, O.J. Aduwa, subsequently applied for bail, relying on constitutional provisions relating to personal liberty, fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.

He urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms and assured the court that she would make herself available throughout the trial.

The prosecution counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, did not oppose the bail application, although he drew the court’s attention to the nature of the alleged offences.

Court Sets N3 Million Bail

After considering the application, Justice Dipeolu granted Nwafor bail in the sum of N3 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The judge stipulated that the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

One of the sureties must also be a blood relation of the defendant.

The court further required the sureties to provide evidence of three years’ tax payment, their National Identification Numbers and photographs, as well as affidavits of compliance.

Nwafor was also directed to depose to an affidavit undertaking to make herself available throughout the trial.

Until all the conditions are fulfilled, however, she will remain at the Kirikiri Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

What the Police Alleged

The prosecution’s case centres on alleged online publications targeting Okoya.

The police alleged that the defendant used social media platforms to disseminate materials concerning the businesswoman which, according to the prosecution, were capable of causing fear, intimidation, anxiety and other forms of distress.

The prosecution further alleged that some of the publications were accompanied by photographs of Okoya and language capable of exposing her to ridicule or scandal.

The alleged offences were said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, including Sections 516 and 24(2)(1)(a) and (b).

However, because Nwafor has pleaded not guilty, the prosecution will still be required to establish its allegations before the court.

The Importance of Due Process

The case once again highlights the difficult balance between freedom of expression on the internet and protection against online harassment and cyberstalking.

Social media has provided Nigerians with unprecedented opportunities to comment on public affairs, discuss personalities and share information.

At the same time, online platforms can be used to circulate allegations, accusations and personal information at extraordinary speed.

Where such publications cross the boundaries established by law, affected individuals have legal avenues available to them.

But allegations of cyberstalking must also be subjected to due process.

A person accused of an offence remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

That principle is particularly important in cases involving online publications because digital allegations can spread far beyond the courtroom and potentially cause reputational damage before a judicial determination is reached.

Defendant’s Background

During the proceedings, Nwafor told the court that she was from Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State but was born in Lagos.

She reportedly attended Christian Council of Nigeria Primary School and Roxton International School before graduating from Oduduwa University, Ipetumodu, Osun State.

Her educational background and other personal details were brought before the court as part of the proceedings.

Trial Date

The Federal High Court adjourned the case until November 8, 2026, when the matter is expected to proceed.

Until then, the allegations against Nwafor remain allegations before the court.

The prosecution will have the opportunity to present its evidence, while the defence will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations and present its own case.

The eventual outcome will therefore depend on the evidence presented and the court’s determination of the matter.

A Wider Warning About Social Media Conduct

Beyond the personalities involved, the case carries a wider message for social media users.

The increasing use of Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and other platforms means that statements published online can have consequences that extend beyond the immediate audience.

Users should therefore exercise caution when making allegations against individuals, particularly where the allegations concern criminal conduct, personal integrity or other serious matters.

Freedom of expression remains an important principle, but it does not necessarily provide protection for every form of online publication.

The court’s handling of Nwafor’s case will provide another opportunity to examine how Nigerian cybercrime laws apply to social media conduct and where the line lies between lawful expression and conduct that may attract criminal liability.

For now, however, the legal position is straightforward: Ifeoma Nwafor has been charged, she has pleaded not guilty, she has been granted bail subject to conditions, and her case is awaiting trial.

By Joseph Iyaji
Akahi News