Agba Jalingo released after one week in prison over alleged cybercrime

Agba Jalingo, the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, has been released from the medium-security custodial center in Kuje, federal capital territory (FCT).

 CrossRiverWatch reports that Jalingo was released on Monday after his release warrant was signed and served on correctional authorities.

Last Monday, Jalingo was remanded in prison after he was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on false publication against Elizabeth, wife of Frank Ayade.

Frank is the brother of Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River state.

The publisher pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The offences were said to contravene section 24(1)b of the cybercrimes (prohibition, prevention, etc) act 2015.

On March 30, Zainab Abubakar, the trial judge at the federal high court in Abuja, admitted Jalingo on bail with a bond of N500,000 and one surety in like sum.

Abubakar said Jalingo’s surety must own a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and the property documents must be deposited with the deputy registrar of the court.

On August 19, 2022, Jalingo was arrested by the police at his Lagos residence and was taken to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

He was arrested following a petition filed by the wife of Frank Ayade, alleging defamation of character.

Twenty-four hours later, Jalingo was released from police custody.

PREVIOUS COURT CASE

In 2019, Jalingo was arrested and arraigned after he published a story on how the Cross River governor allegedly approved and diverted N500 million meant for the state’s microfinance bank.

Jalingo was charged with conspiracy, terrorism, treasonable felony, and an attempt to topple the state government.

After 174 days in detention, he was granted bail.