Comrade Henry Negedu (FIPMA) has confirmed that he honoured an invitation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, over a petition alleging cyberbullying, insisting that the accusations against him are “false, malicious and entirely without factual foundation.”
Negedu disclosed that the petition also named Ayegba Oguche of Ofante Ogugu TV, Enefu Great Oguche, MC Quantum, while Mabene Oguche was listed as a witness by the petitioner, Comfort Onoja.
According to him, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), ASP John, initially fixed his appearance for July 7 before rescheduling it to July 8.
The community youth leader stated that he appeared before investigators alongside his legal team, where he was allowed to study the petition before making both oral and written statements in response to the allegations.
Following the session, he said he was granted administrative bail while the matter was adjourned to enable other individuals named in the petition to honour the police invitation.
Addressing members of the Ofante community in a public statement, Negedu firmly denied ever engaging in cyberbullying against the petitioner through publications, videos, social media posts or any other platform.
“As a responsible and law-abiding citizen with absolute confidence in the rule of law, I honoured the police invitation without hesitation. Having carefully gone through the allegations, I found them to be false, malicious and entirely without factual foundation,” he said.
Negedu further alleged that during the investigation, the petitioner claimed she had an informant within Ofante Breaking News (OBN) who regularly supplied her with publications and comments concerning her.
He, however, rejected claims that he authored or sponsored a publication alleging that the petitioner had made no meaningful contribution to the Ofante community since assuming public office.
“I unequivocally deny that allegation. To the best of my knowledge, I neither authored nor published such a statement, nor did I direct anyone to do so. I challenged both the petitioner and her alleged informant to produce the publication if it truly exists. I remain confident that the truth will ultimately prevail,” Negedu stated.
He also alleged that he had previously been the subject of repeated social media attacks by the petitioner, including remarks he described as defamatory and injurious to his reputation.
According to him, despite possessing evidence that could have formed the basis of legal action, he deliberately refrained from seeking judicial intervention in the interest of preserving peace within the Ofante community.
“I deliberately refrained from taking legal action because I regarded the matter as a family affair. More importantly, my boss, leader and mentor, Chief Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, consistently counselled me to exercise restraint, maintain peace and avoid actions capable of deepening divisions within our family and community,” he explained.
He maintained that while he had consistently chosen silence in the face of repeated provocations, the criminal allegations against him had compelled him to defend both his integrity and reputation through lawful means.
“This decision is not borne out of malice or retaliation. It is intended to ensure that the law takes its proper course and to reinforce the principle that no individual is above the law. Every citizen deserves the protection of the law, and every allegation deserves to be tested through lawful and established procedures,” he said.
Negedu disclosed that he has now resolved to formally present what he described as evidence relating to alleged cyberstalking and cyberbullying directed against him before the appropriate authorities for investigation.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the Ofante community who stood by him during the police invitation, particularly acknowledging Hon. Friday Onoja, who stood as his surety, alongside Barr. Tina Ekele, Dr. David Onoja and numerous supporters who offered prayers and solidarity.
Reaffirming his confidence in law enforcement institutions, Negedu urged members of the Ofante community to remain peaceful while the investigation runs its course.
“I remain calm, respectful of the law and fully committed to due process. I harbour no ill will towards anyone. I have complete confidence in the professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force and, ultimately, in the ability of our justice system to establish the truth,” he added.
The Nigeria Police Force has not publicly commented on the allegations, while the claims and counterclaims made by the parties remain the subject of an ongoing police investigation.
