A publisher in Anambra State has been arraigned in court after spreading false reports that Governor Chukwuma Soludo disowned his son, Ozonna Soludo.
The man at the centre of the controversy is Ejike Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ejike Ofoegbu Experience. He is the publisher of Igbo Time Magazine and INews platform.
For weeks, Ofoegbu had circulated skits and videos on Facebook and other social media platforms where he impersonated Ozonna. In those clips, he made it look like the governor's son was speaking against his father and other public figures.
One of the most damaging claims in the videos was that Governor Soludo had disowned Ozonna. The publication quickly went viral and triggered mixed reactions online.
On Sunday, July 12, the publisher made a U turn. In a video apology released to the public, he admitted that everything he published was fabricated.
According to him, no such statement was ever made by the governor or his son. He said all quotes attributed to Ozonna were invented by him.
Ofoegbu was remorseful in the recording. He apologised directly to Governor Soludo, his family, and Nigerians who were misled by the content.
He said in his own words that he is really sorry to Nigerians and to the Soludo family for what he caused them, adding that he will do everything possible to retract the false claims.
He explained that his motive was not politics. He wanted online engagement and social media revenue. The videos were created to chase clout and monetisation.
Following public outrage, security agencies picked up the matter and he was arraigned for false publication and cyber related offences. The court process is now expected to determine the full legal consequences of his actions.
Sources familiar with the case say the arraignment is linked to charges bordering on defamation and deliberate misinformation. The family had earlier been the target of similar false narratives which aides described as the handiwork of mischief makers.
Meanwhile, the apology has drawn reactions in Anambra political circles. Members of the APGA media team said the confession has vindicated Governor Soludo and his son. They noted that the family never had any rift as portrayed online.
Observers say the case is a warning to content creators and publishers. Freedom of expression does not cover impersonation or fabrication that can damage reputation.
Ofoegbu has promised to publish retractions on all platforms where the videos were shared and urged his followers to disregard the earlier reports
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