The Inspector General of Police has re-arraigned Nollywood actress Angela Okorie before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over allegations of cyberstalking.
Okorie was docked on a seven-count amended charge, to which she pleaded not guilty during proceedings before the court.
At the hearing, the prosecution requested a brief adjournment to enable it to formally open its case. Counsel to the defendant did not oppose the request and informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of the actress, urging the court to exercise its discretion in her favour.
However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing that the defendant had previously jumped the administrative bail granted to her by the police. According to the prosecution, Okorie could not be located at the time and her sureties were unavailable, leading to her re-arrest and subsequent arraignment in court.
The prosecution further noted that the alleged offences attract penalties ranging from three to five years imprisonment under the law.
In response, defence counsel countered the prosecution’s claims, insisting that the actress did not abscond. He told the court that Okorie had travelled for a medical check-up and duly informed the police of her whereabouts.
In his ruling, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety in like sum. The court ordered that the surety must be a level 13 civil servant residing within the jurisdiction of the court, with their address to be verified.
The judge also directed both the defendant and the surety to deposit their passport photographs with the court.
The case was adjourned to March 23 for the commencement of trial.
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