Court grants Angela Okorie N5m bail in cyberbullying case

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted actress Angela Okorie bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum over allegations of cyberbullying involving fellow actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie.

Justice Emeka Nwite, while ruling on the bail application, held that although the prosecution opposed the request, there was no sufficient material before the court to show that the defendant would jump bail if released.

“Therefore, I am minded to grant the bail in the interest of justice,” the judge said.

The court ordered that the surety must be a level 13 civil servant, who is required to depose to an affidavit of means. The surety must also present an appointment letter, letter of last promotion, two passport photographs and have their residential address verified by the court registrar.

The judge further ordered that Angela should remain at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the verification of the bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to March 23 for the commencement of trial.

Angela was earlier re-arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and criminal defamation, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015. She pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Prosecuting counsel Victor Okoye opposed the bail application, arguing that the actress had previously been granted administrative bail but failed to honour it. He described the application as unmeritorious and urged the court to refuse it.

Okoye told the court that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows the court to deny bail where there is a likelihood that a defendant may abscond, noting that some of the offences attract prison terms ranging from three to 10 years.

However, defence counsel Earnest Nwoye argued that Okorie did not abscond but travelled for medical examination and re-evaluation, which he said was communicated to the police with supporting medical documents.

He also told the court that the surety maintained communication with the prosecution and that denying bail would amount to persecution.

The charge followed a petition dated May 14, 2025, written by lawyers to Mercy Johnson-Okojie, accusing Okorie of making defamatory posts on social media.

According to the petition, Okorie allegedly published the message on her Instagram page:
“Blood sucking demon no see blood suck again, E say na slimming tea. Except there’s no God, MJ go and beg people you chop their destinies and destroy their hornes else no peace for the wicked!!! Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart Is Dark!!!”

The petition alleged that the publication was intended to damage Johnson-Okojie’s reputation, incite public hatred and cause emotional trauma.

Angela is also accused of conspiring with one Ifeoma Mbonu, who is currently at large, in committing the alleged offences through posts on Instagram and TikTok.