TheCable

The Nigeria Police Force, national cybercrime centre (NPF- NCCC), has arraigned Mienapoma Saint, a blogger, before a federal high court in Abuja, for cyberstalking and defamation of character of the presidential amnesty programme (PAP).

Saint, who is a blogger with Naija Live TV, was said to have published a report alleging that fraudulent activities were taking place at the PAP.

In a statement, the NPF-NCCC unit said Saint was taken into custody on October 10, 2023 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

It said the suspect had made serious allegations against the amnesty program and its leadership, implicating them in various heinous activities.

“These accusations investigated and found to be false, were originally disseminated through an online blogging site, Naijalivetv.com, and a Facebook account connected to the suspect,” the statement reads.

“The arrest which was executed with the utmost professionalism, became necessary after carrying out a discreet investigation and conducting threat assessments on series of posts linked to the suspects.

“The inciting and misleading posts were not just maliciously targeted at the program but touches upon sensitive matters that are integral to the unity of the Niger Delta Region and has the potential to disrupt peace and harmony in the Area.

“The Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) and relevant authorities take these issues seriously, and emphasize the importance of responsible journalism, accurate reporting, and respect for the rights and reputation of individuals.”

According to the statement, Saint was arraigned on November 2 on a three-count charge.

“But when the three-count charge was read to Saint, he pleaded not guilty to the offence. Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter till December 4 and directed that Saint should be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja,” the statement reads.

“The Director, NPF-NCCC, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, while noting that the Center, as a critical unit in fostering the technological driven policing mandate of the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, will not sit in docile stupefaction and watch malicious individuals hide behind the pseudo-anonymity provided by the cyberspace in ripping a fiber in the unity of the nation apart .

“He added that false allegations, cyberstalking, and the spread of information likely to incite discord will not be tolerated.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and maintaining peace within our communities.”