Abia Lawmaker Remanded in Kuje Prison Over Alleged False Declaration, Defamation

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has remanded a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the continuation of his trial over allegations of criminal defamation and false declaration.

Justice Yusuf Halilu issued the remand order after the federal lawmaker, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, was arrested and brought before the court.

According to court documents dated June 24, 2026, the lawmaker will remain in custody until July 6, when proceedings in the matter are expected to resume.

The warrant of commitment, issued in Charge No. CR/650/2024, directed the authorities at the Kuje Correctional Centre to receive and detain the defendant pending further orders of the court.

“The Officer in Charge of the prison at Kuje, whereas the above-named person has been arrested and brought before me, accused of the offences of criminal defamation and false declaration, you are hereby authorised and required to receive him and detain him in custody until further order,” part of the court document stated.

The Federal Government had, on July 31, 2024, filed a five-count criminal charge against the lawmaker bordering on allegations of criminal defamation and false declaration.

According to the charge, Ogah allegedly made statements in an affidavit sworn before the FCT High Court registry in May 2023 concerning the then Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha.

The prosecution alleged that the lawmaker falsely claimed that Onyejeocha had boasted of influencing judicial proceedings related to an election tribunal matter and had allegedly “bought over” members of the tribunal.

The government further accused him of making additional declarations alleging that the former minister influenced changes in the composition of the tribunal panel to secure a favourable judgment.

Prosecutors contend that the statements were false and were intended to damage Onyejeocha’s reputation, contrary to provisions of the Penal Code.

One of the charges specifically alleges that the lawmaker made false declarations with intent to injure the reputation of the former minister, causing reputational harm.

The case has drawn attention due to its implications for political disputes arising from post-election litigation and the legal boundaries of public allegations against public office holders.

No plea or response from the defendant was contained in the court documents made available at the time of filing this report.

The matter has been adjourned until July 6, 2026, for further proceedings.