Rt. Hon. Chinedu N. Ogah, OON, the House of Representatives member for Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, has issued a formal demand to Sahara Reporters for the retraction of what he describes as false, misleading, and defamatory online publications.
Through his solicitor, C. O. Ogboji Esq., Ogah alleges that the outlet’s articles, published on April 16 and April 24, 2025, have tarnished his reputation by linking him to a murder case and accusing him of unlawfully detaining activist Comrade Kindness Jonah in a “secret jail.”
The demand letter, dated May 7, 2025, references two Sahara Reporters publications:
Ogah’s legal team argues that these publications are baseless and damaging, asserting that Sahara Reporters failed to verify the facts through investigative journalism before publishing. The letter emphasizes that Jonah, a 66-year-old activist, has been making defamatory online posts against Ogah, including labeling him an “ex-convict,” “murderer,” “ritualist,” and the mastermind behind Ogboji’s 2012 killing. Ogah maintains that the murder case was concluded in court without his involvement.
According to the letter, Jonah’s posts falsely accused Ogah of orchestrating the murder and claimed he directed individuals named Ebenezer Amaga and Obinna Nwuruku to commit the crime. These allegations were reportedly disseminated across social media platforms and sent to the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria. Ogah’s lawyer previously demanded Jonah retract these statements, but Jonah allegedly continued the publications.
As a result, Ogah filed a formal complaint with the police, leading to Jonah’s arrest and prosecution for cyberstalking under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/97/2025, is currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with an arraignment scheduled for May 21, 2025.
Ogah disputes Sahara Reporters’ claim that he is holding Jonah in a “secret jail,” questioning whether he, as a lawmaker, has the authority to detain anyone. The letter asserts that Jonah’s detention followed legal processes initiated by a police investigation into his alleged defamatory posts. Ogah’s legal team argues that Sahara Reporters’ publications have caused significant reputational harm, prompting calls from constituents and the public shocked by the allegations.
The letter demands that Sahara Reporters retract the April 16 and April 24 articles within five working days from receipt of the notice, warning of legal action for defamation if the outlet fails to comply. The solicitor describes the publications as “false, misleading, and unsubstantiated,” urging the outlet to uphold journalistic integrity.
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