Former University Lecturer Receives Jail Sentence for Defamatory Facebook Comments

In the news earlier reported by Punch online, Mr. Peter Ekemezie, a former lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been handed a six-month prison sentence for posting defamatory statements against Prof. Alex Asigbo on Facebook. The court charged Ekemezie with three counts related to forgery and defamation. The court granted him the option of a N300,000 fine.

During the judgment at the Awka Magistrates’ court, His Worship, E.C. Chukwu, took into account that the defendant had spent one month in a psychiatric home and four months in a Correctional Centre.

Prof. Alex Asigbo testified during the trial that Ekemezie forged his signature after Asigbo declined to provide a witness statement, instead advising Ekemezie to obtain a subpoena.

Asigbo explained that this action led Ekemezie to publish a series of defamatory statements against him on various social media platforms, including Facebook.

There were conflicting reports concerning Ekemezie's identity and employment status at UNIZIK. However, the Media Adviser to the vice chancellor of the university, Emmanuel Ojukwu, confirmed that Ekemezie had left the institution several years ago. Ojukwu clarified that Ekemezie's departure was due to issues with his credentials, which were found to have inadequacies and loopholes. The university's Council had addressed the matter and subsequently terminated his employment. Prior to his departure, Ekemezie had been associated with the Department of Chemistry.