Juliana Francis
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Milverton, Ikoyi, Lagos State has arrested and arraigned four online journalists over alleged involvement in cyberstalking and attempted extortion of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).
PSFU spokesman, a Superintendent of Police, SP. Eyitayo Johnson identified the journalists as Precious Eze (Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, News Platform), Olawale Rotimi (Managing Director, National Monitor), Rowland Olonishuwa (Editor, News Hob Mag!) and Seun Odunlami (Website Administrator, www.newsjaunts.com).
The image manager said that the arrest was made under the stewardship of the Commissioner of Police Godwin Ayotunde Omodeinde.
Johnson said that the four online journalists and bloggers were arraigned on a 2- 2-count charge before the Federal High Court, Lagos.
He explained that the arrest of the Bloggers followed a discrete investigation into a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) by Country Hill Attorneys and Solicitors, representing Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank).
He added: “The investigation established allegations of cyberstalking and attempted extortion against the journalists who, while using their various online platforms; published false, malicious and defamatory news items targeted at GTBank and its Group Executives Officer.
“Furthermore, the journalists, having established contact with a staff member of the PR department of the bank, and despite being informed that the story was false, resorted to economic blackmail by demanding for financial compensation before the false publication could be pulled down.
“CP. Ayotunde Omodeinde advised journalists and internet/social media users to be professionally mature in the use of their platforms and to be mindful of the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and the Criminal Code Act.
“He counselled against publications of unsubstantiated, unverified, untrue news which could cause avoidable instability and financial damage to organisations, businesses and individuals.
“At the arraignment, Hon. Justice Ayokunle Faji remanded the defendants in the custody of officials of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ikoyi, pending the hearing of their bail applications on 4th October 2024.
“The Unit reiterates its commitment, without prejudice; to enforcement and promotion of the sanctity of the rule of law and order.”
