A Magistrate’s Court in Suleja, Niger State, has ordered that Nollywood actress Angela Okorie be remanded in Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre pending further proceedings in a defamation case brought against her by fellow actor Mercy Johnson‑Okojie.
Okorie appeared in court on Thursday 29th January, after arraignment on a two‑count charge of publication of defamatory material and insulting messages, which the complainant’s counsel said were allegedly shared on social media platforms. The charges accuse Okorie of making statements that purportedly harmed the reputation and dignity of Mercy Johnson‑Okojie, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s film industry.
During the proceedings, the prosecutor informed the court that Okorie failed to appear in earlier scheduled hearings, prompting the trial magistrate to order her detention while the matter progresses. The magistrate ruled that Okorie should be remanded in custodial detention until the next adjourned date, where bail applications and other legal arguments will be considered.
Mercy Johnson‑Okojie, an award‑winning actress and producer, filed the complaint alleging that certain posts published on Okorie’s verified social accounts contained material that she considers defamatory and injurious to her reputation. Legal representatives for Johnson‑Okojie had previously called on the court to take decisive action, asserting that public figures are not immune from civil and criminal defamation laws.
Okorie was brought before the court in police custody. She did not make a statement on the record during the initial hearing, and her counsel indicated that submissions and formal responses to the charges will be filed at the next sitting. The court did not elaborate on the specifics of the alleged defamatory content during the session.
Legal experts say that defamation cases involving high‑profile personalities particularly where social media posts are concerned increasingly test the balance between freedom of expression and protection of reputation under Nigerian law. Civil liberties organisations have noted that courts must ensure due process.
The next hearing date has been scheduled for later this month, when bail applications and further legal arguments are expected to be heard.
