An Anambra State High Court in Nnewi has sentenced South African-based activist Boniface Okonkwo to 18 months in prison, with the option of a N500,000 fine, for defaming businessman Sir Emeka Offor. Justice Vincent Agbata found Okonkwo guilty of making defamatory statements on the “Oraifite WhatsApp platform,” referring to Offor’s meter manufacturing company as an “empty warehouse.”
In his judgment, Justice Agbata stated that the evidence presented, including a phone call linked to Okonkwo through the Truecaller app, confirmed his involvement in the defamatory post. The court noted that Offor and Okonkwo, both from the Oraifite community, are members of the same WhatsApp group, where the post was initially shared. The incident allegedly stemmed from a community event attended by high-profile individuals, including Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, after which the defamatory content surfaced.
Okonkwo’s defense counsel, S.I. Okonkwo, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, questioning the judgment’s focus on Emeka Offor rather than corporate entities connected to the alleged defamatory statements. Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged relief that the judge provided an option to pay a fine.
“We’ll review the judgment in detail, though we are not fully satisfied. However, the fine option is a small comfort,” the defense counsel commented.
Okonkwo was initially detained in January 2024 following Offor’s complaint, and the court has since pursued the case, leading to Tuesday’s verdict.
