Abuja: The Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and Nollywood actress Angela Okorie are moving toward an out-of-court settlement regarding alleged criminal defamation, stemming from a petition by actress Mercy Johnson. The I-G’s lawyer, C. Odinaka, and Okorie’s counsel, W.I. Okereke, informed Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja about the development shortly after the matter was called.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okorie is being prosecuted by the police for allegedly cyberbullying Johnson-Okojie. The judge had previously admitted her to a N5 million bail following her re-arraignment on a seven-count charge related to cybercrimes. During the resumed trial, Odinaka informed the court that the parties had begun settlement talks. Okereke corroborated this, stating that both parties are working toward settling the matter out of court.
After hearing from both sides, Justice Nwite described the remarks as encouraging and advised the parties to ensure the matter is resolved. The judge also granted the prosecution’s request for adjournment, setting the next court date for April 21 to report on the settlement progress.
Meanwhile, Johnson-Okojie, in a letter dated March 18, addressed to the Director of the Nigeria Police Force, National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), sought to withdraw the charge. Her lawyer, A. Agbi of Maverick Solicitors, cited appeals from influential individuals, including her husband’s political associates, as reasons for the withdrawal request.
Justice Nwite had previously ordered Okorie’s remand in the Suleja Correctional Centre after her arraignment on a three-count charge. The judge rejected an oral bail application from Okorie’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, SAN, and ordered her remand until Jan. 30 when her formal bail application would be heard.
Okorie, in an amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/278/2025, is alleged to have conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu, who is currently at large, to commit cyberstalking and defamation against Johnson-Okojie by calling her a “blood-sucking demon” on social media platforms Instagram and TikTok. The allegations were part of a petition by Johnson-Okojie’s lawyer, accusing Okorie and Ifeoma of making malicious statements intended to damage Johnson-Okojie’s reputation.
The petition claims the statements were published to incite hatred, provoke unrest, and emotionally traumatize Johnson-Okojie. It further alleges that Okorie used her social media platform for criminal intimidation, false accusations, and criminal defamation, portraying Johnson-Okojie negatively despite her public image as a humanitarian and devout Christian.