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From Isaac Job, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested the state Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ewa Okpo, who is loyal to the Turaki faction of the party, over alleged cybercrime involving the publication of defamatory materials and videos against Senator Effiong Bob on social media.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, and made available to journalists in Uyo, said the arrest followed a petition filed by Senator Bob through his legal counsel, Samuel Ikpo & Co. Chambers. According to the police, the petition alleged that statements and videos published on the suspect’s social media platforms were false, malicious, defamatory, and injurious to the reputation of the petitioner.
Okpo is the PDP spokesperson loyal to the Turaki faction and serves under the party’s Caretaker Committee headed by Barr. Igwat Umoren in the state.
The statement read in part: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into allegations of criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and other related offences following a petition formally submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command.
“The petition, dated June 17, 2026, was filed on behalf of Senator Effiong Bob through Samuel Ikpo & Company Chambers. It alleges that Mr. Ewa Okpo published and circulated on his social media platforms videos and other materials containing statements alleged to be false, malicious, defamatory, and injurious to the reputation and integrity of the petitioner.”
John said that upon receipt of the petition, the command immediately activated the necessary investigative machinery in line with its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
“Consequently, the suspect was arrested, taken into lawful custody, and is currently assisting the police with ongoing investigations,” she said.
The PPRO stressed that social media is not a sanctuary for criminality.
“While the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, that right does not confer a licence to fabricate falsehoods, malign the character of others, spread malicious content, or use digital platforms to incite hatred, destroy reputations, or undermine public peace,” she said.
John added that the command had issued a strong warning to individuals who hide behind mobile phones, anonymous accounts, and social media platforms to commit criminal acts.
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“Anyone who deliberately publishes false information, engages in cyberstalking, criminal defamation, cyberbullying, blackmail, or any other unlawful online activity is advised to desist forthwith or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
“The era when individuals believed they could commit offences in cyberspace with impunity is over.”
However, the PDP National Secretariat, reacting to the arrest, vowed to defend the party official and ensure that justice is served.
In a statement issued by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, and distributed to journalists in Uyo, the party maintained that Okpo was merely exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“The National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party has received the disturbing news of the arrest of Ewa Okpo, Esq., the Publicity Secretary of our Akwa Ibom State chapter, on the petition of Senator Effiong Bob over the exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of speech.
“We have made contact and are aware that the police authorities at the Quick Intervention Unit, Ikot Akpan Abia, are currently interviewing Ewa on the subject of the petition, which is ex facie civil in nature and does not require police intervention. However, we are hopeful that the police will exhibit professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“Furthermore, we strongly condemn any attempt by highly placed individuals to use security agencies to hound and intimidate real or perceived opponents into political submission.
“We remind them that every person’s antecedents are an open book for the world to read, and when those records become public, the resulting reactions are inevitable.
“To this end, the National Chairman of the Interim National Working Committee has directed the National Legal Adviser to immediately set up a high-powered legal team to provide legal representation for Ewa Okpo, Esq., and another party faithful in Akwa Ibom State who has allegedly been targeted for oppression by anti-free speech forces.
“The party will defend any of its officials or members who are arrested, intimidated, or threatened in the course of exercising their fundamental or political rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.”
