Cyberstalking: Woman Remanded Despite ₦3m Bail in Okoya Case
A 35-year-old woman, Ifeoma Vivian Nwafor, has been ordered to remain at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre despite securing ₦3 million bail from a Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of cyberstalking involving Folashade Noimat Okoya, wife of billionaire industrialist Chief Razaq Okoya.
The development has brought renewed attention to the growing number of criminal complaints arising from social media publications, particularly those involving prominent personalities, and the legal boundaries between freedom of expression, online commentary and alleged cyber harassment.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu granted Nwafor bail after she pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and alleged cyberstalking. The charges were instituted by the Inspector-General of Police following allegations that the defendant participated in publishing offensive and malicious materials against Mrs Okoya, Managing Director of Eleganza Industries Limited.
According to the prosecution, Nwafor allegedly conspired with other individuals who are still at large to circulate photographs and statements concerning the businesswoman through Instagram accounts. The publications were described by prosecutors as calculated to expose Mrs Okoya to ridicule, suspicion, intimidation and emotional distress.
The alleged offences were said to have occurred in June 2026 within Lagos State. The police maintained that the publications contravened provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other applicable criminal laws. However, the allegations remain unproven, as the defendant has denied wrongdoing and is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
During the proceedings, Nwafor’s lawyer, O. J. Aduwa, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, relying on constitutional provisions protecting personal liberty and the presumption of innocence. The defence assured the court that the defendant would make herself available throughout the trial.
The prosecution, represented by Stanley Nwafoaku, did not oppose the bail application. Consequently, Justice Dipeolu granted bail in the sum of ₦3 million with two sureties in like sum, subject to conditions designed to guarantee the defendant’s attendance at subsequent court proceedings.
The court directed that both sureties must reside within its jurisdiction, while one must be a blood relation of the defendant. They were also ordered to present evidence of three years’ tax payments, National Identification Numbers, photographs and sworn affidavits confirming compliance with the bail requirements.
Nwafor was further directed to swear an affidavit undertaking to attend her trial whenever required. Until the bail conditions are fulfilled, the court ordered that she remain in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Beyond the immediate criminal proceedings, the case highlights important questions surrounding responsible social media use, online reputation and the application of Nigeria’s cybercrime legislation. It also underscores the distinction between allegations made by prosecutors and findings of guilt, which can only be established through due judicial process.
The matter, filed under suit number FHC/LAG/CR/819/2026, has been adjourned until November 8, 2026, for trial. The court is expected to examine the prosecution’s evidence and the defendant’s response in determining whether the allegations can be established under the law.
