Agba Jalingo, the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, has been released from the medium‑security custodial centre in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He regained his freedom on Monday, a week after Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court remanded him for alleged cybercrime, CrossRiverWatch reported.
Jalingo was detained last Monday on charges of false publication intended to cause “annoyance, ill will and insult” to Mrs. Ayade, the wife of Mr. Frank Ayade, who is the younger brother of Cross River Governor Ben Ayade. Court documents in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/565/2022 indicate that he is accused of offences punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.
Last Thursday, Jalingo’s legal team, led by Femi Falana, SAN, applied for bail pending the determination of the case. Police lawyer Fidelis Ogbobe did not oppose the application, and the court granted bail of N500,000. In addition to the cash bond, Justice Abubakar required a surety who must own landed property within the FCT; the title deed of that property was to be deposited with the Deputy Registrar in charge of litigations.
On Monday, the release warrant was signed and served on correctional authorities, who then released Jalingo.
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