Court Sentences South African-Based Activist to 18 Months in Prison for Defaming Anambra Businessman

Anambra State High Court in Nnewi has sentenced South African-based activist Boniface Okonkwo to 18 months in prison for defaming prominent businessman Sir Emeka Offor. The verdict was delivered by Justice Vincent Agbata on Tuesday.

The court found Okonkwo guilty of making defamatory statements on the “Oraifite WhatsApp platform,” where he described Offor’s meter manufacturing company as an “empty warehouse.” Justice Agbata stated that the evidence presented was sufficient for conviction, although he offered Okonkwo the alternative of paying a N500,000 fine.

Okonkwo was arrested in January 2024 after Offor filed a complaint regarding the defamatory content. The prosecution’s case included evidence from a phone call made by Okonkwo during the courtroom proceedings, linking him to the defamatory post via the Truecaller app.

In his ruling, Justice Agbata noted that both Offor and Okonkwo hail from Oraifite and are members of the same WhatsApp group. He pointed out that the controversy began shortly after Offor’s meter factory was visited by notable figures, including Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The judge remarked on the timeline of events, stating that the defamatory post appeared just two days after the prominent visit. Okonkwo initially attempted to defend himself through claims of justification and fair comment but later denied making the defamatory statements altogether.

Reacting to the judgment, Okonkwo’s defense attorney, S.I. Okonkwo, expressed mixed emotions. He acknowledged disappointment with the outcome but appreciated the option of a fine. He argued that the prosecution failed to establish that Offor was the actual subject of the defamatory statement, claiming the radio station’s owner had also been misidentified.

“We will review the judgment and determine our next steps,” he stated. “While I am not satisfied with the judgment, I am relieved that my client was given the option of a fine.”