Court Commits House of Reps Member Ogah to Kuje Prison over Alleged Criminal Defamation

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the remand of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, over allegations of criminal defamation and false declaration.

Justice Yusuf Halilu issued the order after the lawmaker, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, was arrested and brought before the court in connection with an ongoing criminal case.

According to a warrant of commitment dated June 24, 2026, and obtained by journalists on Thursday, Ogah will remain in custody until July 6, 2026, when the matter is expected to resume before the court.

The court document stated that the lawmaker is standing trial in Charge No. CR/650/2024 over allegations relating to statements he allegedly made against former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha.

The Federal Government had earlier filed a five-count charge against the legislator on July 31, 2024, accusing him of making false declarations and defamatory claims intended to damage Onyejeocha’s reputation.

One of the charges alleged that Ogah swore to an affidavit in May 2023 claiming that Onyejeocha informed her supporters that she had influenced members of an election tribunal panel, including Justice Halima Saleeman. Prosecutors maintained that the allegation was false and constituted an offence under the Penal Code.

Another count accused the lawmaker of falsely alleging that Onyejeocha influenced the removal of a tribunal chairman in order to secure a favourable judgment. The prosecution argued that the statement was defamatory and intended to harm her public image.

The government further alleged that the declarations caused reputational damage to the former minister and amounted to criminal defamation under relevant provisions of the Penal Code.

In the warrant signed by Justice Halilu, prison authorities were directed to detain the lawmaker pending further orders of the court. The order also stated that if no additional directive is issued before the next hearing date, Ogah should be produced before the court on July 6 for further proceedings.

The case continues to attract attention due to the status of the defendant as a serving federal lawmaker and the nature of the allegations involving statements made during a politically sensitive period following the 2023 general elections.