The Inspector-General of Police has re-arraigned Nollywood actress Angela Okorie before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cyberstalking offences.
Okorie was docked on a seven-count amended charge bordering on cyberstalking and pleaded not guilty to all counts during the proceedings in court.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested a brief adjournment to enable it open its case. The request was not opposed by the defence.
Counsel to the actress subsequently informed the court that a bail application had been filed and urged the court to exercise discretion in her favour.
The prosecution opposed the application, telling the court that Okorie allegedly jumped the administrative bail earlier granted by the police. Prosecutors claimed her sureties could not be located at the time, leading to her re-arrest. They further noted that the alleged offences attract sentences ranging from three to five years.
In response, defence counsel argued that Okorie did not abscond, explaining that she travelled out of Abuja for a medical check-up and that the police were informed of her movement.
In his ruling, Emeka Nwite, granted the actress bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum.
The judge ordered that the surety must be a Level 13 civil servant, resident within the court’s jurisdiction. He also directed that the surety’s address must be verified and that both the defendant and the surety deposit their passport photographs with the court.
The matter was adjourned until March 23 for the commencement of trial.
The re-arraignment follows a mild uproar on social media after Okorie’s earlier arrest and remand at the Kuje Correctional Facility.
Amid the backlash, fellow actress Mercy Johnson was mentioned by activists and online commentators as being linked to the actress’s arrest, prompting calls for Okorie’s release and an amicable resolution between both parties.
While Mercy Johnson has yet to issue a public statement, popular activist Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, claimed the actress had hinted at months of alleged cyberbullying connected to a colleague.
As the case moves to trial, the proceedings are expected to continue drawing public attention both within the entertainment industry and online.
