Illoba Obata, the Peoples Democratic Party Ward Chairman in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Asaba over alleged cyberstalking and defamation of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
Obata, who serves as the PDP Ward 2 Chairman in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, is accused of conducting a campaign aimed at harassing and defaming the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. The charges were filed under the Cyber Crimes Act 2015 and the Criminal Code Act.
Specifically, Obata is accused of conspiring to commit cyberstalking between July and August 2023, an offence considered a felony under Section 27 of the Cyber Crimes Act 2015. Additionally, he is charged with conspiracy to defame the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, alongside accomplices who remain at large, punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Act LFN 2010.
*Key Allegations*
– Creating and sharing a video on social media purporting to show Afamefuna Ubaka, a suspect facing murder charges, being brought to the Obi’s palace and mistreated.
– Exposing the Obi and Chief Gabriel Ohai to public ridicule and hatred, violating Section 24(2)(a) of the Cyber Crimes Act 2015.
The Federal High Court granted Obata bail, although he has yet to meet all the bail conditions.
This development comes amid other controversies surrounding the PDP in Delta State, including the suspension of members over anti-party activities and allegations of manipulation in the Owanta PDP Ward 5 Congress.
