Olusegun Ariyo
A Magistrate Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request to remand Austin Okai, a former House of Representatives member over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation against Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The Department of State Services, DSS, was said to have sought the court’s approval to remand Okai while they conclude investigations into the allegations.
The request was made to ensure compliance with Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System, which mandates that an accused person cannot be detained beyond 48 hours without court approval.
Magistrate Mobah Abdullahi of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Lugard Court, Lokoja, in his verdict, granted the prosecution’s application, ordering Okai’s remand at the Federal Correctional Center, Kabba.
The case was adjourned to March 13, 2025.
Okai, a former PDP candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election, is said to be facing trial over a social media post in which he alleged that Governor Ododo misappropriated billions of naira meant for Local Government Councils and state agencies.The court’s ruling ensures that Okai remains in custody while investigations continue
