Abuja, FCT – A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the remand of journalist Friday Alefia, publisher of Naija News Today (formerly Asiwaju Media), in Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial on cybercrime charges.

Alefia and his company face five counts under case FHC/ABJ/CR/53/2025, accused of conspiring to publish false reports on social media platforms, including Facebook, in violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The charges stem from articles critical of Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the House of Representatives member for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State.

Titles include “How Federal Lawmaker Ogah Snatches Village Land in Ebonyi,” “Ebonyi Rep Member Returns N4m Amidst Extortion Allegations,” and “Ebonyi Rep Member Threatens Constituent for Supporting Charity Foundation.”

Alefia is also charged with cyberstalking for allegedly quoting Ogah as saying, “I rigged the senatorial poll against Emmanuel Onwe,” knowing it to be false.

Both Alefia and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty.

Defense counsel Israel Abida mentioned a filed bail application, but Justice Obiora Egwuatu stated none was on record and declined to consider it.

The case was adjourned to January 27, 2026, for hearing.