Court Throws Out Akwa Ibom Government Case Against Journalist Arrested, Detained For ‘Defaming’ Health Commissioner

Kufre Carter

A Magistrate Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has thrown out a case against Kufre Carter, a journalist with XL 106.9 FM, who was arrested by the Department of State Services for allegedly defaming Dominic Ukpong, the state’s Commissioner for Health.

Inibehe Effiong, counsel to the journalist, disclosed this on Friday.

Kufre Carter

Kufre was arrested by the DSS on April 27 over a purported phone conversation with an anonymous doctor, which he posted on Facebook.

The state government alleged that the audio castigated Ukpong over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was subsequently charged to court on a three-count charge of criminal defamation of character.

“That you, KUFRE CARTER AKPAN, ‘M, and another now at large sometimes in the month of April 2020 in Uyo Local Government Area, within the Uyo Magisterial District, conspired among yourselves to effect unlawful purpose to wit: publication of defamatory matter and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 556(1)() of the Criminal Code, cap 38, Vol.2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.

“That you, KUFRE CARTER AKPAN, ‘M, and another now at large sometimes in the month of April, 2020 in Uyo Local Government Area, within the uyo Magisterial District did made a defamatory publication on internet via https://ift.tt/2IOraKS against Dr Dominic Ukpong, Commissioner for Health, Akwa Ibom State, causing same to be read or seen, with intent to injure his reputation by exposing him to ridicule, hatred and contempt knowing same to be false and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 66(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol.2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.2,” part of the charges read.

However, the suit was struck out on Friday by Chief Magistrate Winifred Umohandy for ‘lack of diligent prosecution’.

SaharaReporters gathered that the prosecutors failed to present any witness in the case that had been adjourned on several occasions.

Reacting, Inibehe wrote, “The case of “criminal defamation” instituted against Kufre Carter by the Akwa Ibom State Government has been struck-out today Friday the 20th day of November, 2020 by the Chief Magistrate Court of Akwa Ibom State presided over by Chief Magistrate Winifred Umohandy for want of deligent prosecution.

“Kufre was arrested and arraigned in court in April by the State Security Service on the instigation of a former Commissioner for Health in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Dominic Ukpong, over a viral audio message circulated on social media in which the said Dr Ukpong and the State Government were castigated for their poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our firm, Inibehe Effiong Chambers, represented him pro bono as part of our human rights programme. The same government that acted as if the world was going to end if Kufre was released, could not produce a single witness in court.

“Dr Ukpong who was in a hurry to use the SSS to arrest Kufre in connivance with other officials of the Akwa Ibom State Government ran away from the court and did not show up at all.

“Those who occupy political positions in Nigeria must realize that the era of using security agencies to hunt and persecute citizens unchallenged for expressing their views on issues of bad governance is over. We will never tolerate such reckless abuse of power and cowardly acts of intimidation by politicians. We will continue to challenge their impunity within the ambits of the law. History will vindicate the just.”

The beautiful model Christina Evangeline: age, ethnicity, net worth, husband, baby

The art of modelling is more than merely putting on designer clothes and hitting the runway. It requires a lot of effort, self-care, determination, and an energetic spirit. Christina Evangeline, who is very attractive and beautiful, is a model who dedicated all her energy into this esteemed career. Fame and plenty of public attention came with her job, and she continues to show young women that success does not come overnight. It requires hard work and passion! Image: instagram.com, @yoevangeline Source: Instagram Who is Christina Evangeline ? According to the Christina Evangeline biography, she is a model who is best known for being Kenan Thompson’s wife. Christina was born on the 24th of March 1989 in the United States of America. Currently, Christina Evangeline age is 30 years. Her nationality is American, and she identifies herself as a Christian. Christina Evangeline ethnicity is White, and her Zodiac sign is Aries. Christina Evangeline race is Caucasian. Details of her paren...

Former Maritime Agency Boss, Buba Galadima, Accuses AMCON Of Witch-hunt After Property Takeover

A former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Agency, Buba Galadima, has accused the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria of witch-hunt after the agency took possession of his business and assets on Tuesday in Abuja. Galadima, an ardent critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, claimed that he did not borrow money or have unpaid debt with Unity Bank, which lodged a complaint against him and occasioned AMCON’s move on Tuesday. The properties taken over include House No. 15, Addis Ababa Crescent, Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and House No. 4, Bangui Street, Wuse 2, also in Abuja. Reacting to the situation, Galadima said, “This is an attempt to disgrace and break me down. This is injustice and an attempt to humiliate me. "But I am unbreakable and they can never silence me. They sacked me and over 50 people that sleep in the apartment. "We don’t know where to go. We will remain on the streets. We will remain on the streets until God provi...

“An Investigation into the Challenges of IFRS Adoption and Implementation amongst small and medium scale Enterprises in Nigeria” DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING 88PAGES

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY The fast pace of globalization with integration of national financial markets has stimulated the need for a common financial language (IFRS) because good financial reporting makes investment and financial decisions more efficient . Small and medium scale enterprises are the engine that drives most economies of the world. Their importance to the economy of Nigeria cannot be overlooked. SMEs activities-both international and local have contributed immensely to the gross domestic product in the economy as they participate in manufacturing, importation, exportation, employment etc. According to Gono (2013), SMEs contribute to output and employment creation and they are also a nursery for the larger firms of the future. The most successful developing country over the last 50 years, Taiwan is built on a dynamic SME sector. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have played a significant role in Taiwan‟s economic development in expandi...

EDUPEDIA247

Search This Blog