In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment industry, Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has been remanded in the Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State following her arraignment on charges that include criminal defamation and cyberstalking in connection with remarks allegedly made about fellow actress Mercy Johnson Okojie.
The case unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Okorie appeared in court on Wednesday. After pleading not guilty to a three-count charge, Judge Emeka Nwite refused her oral bail application, ordering that she remain in custody until a formal bail hearing scheduled for January 30, 2026.
📌 What the Court Heard
According to the charge, the police allege that Okorie and an associate, identified as Ifeoma Mbonu (currently at large), conspired to publish defamatory and malicious online content about Mercy Johnson. The posts were reportedly shared on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok in 2024, and allegedly violated provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.
Prosecutors told the court that the statements made were intended to damage Johnson’s reputation and cause emotional distress. Okorie’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), argued that she was not given sufficient time to prepare her defence and was served the charge shortly before the court session began.
📍 Reactions and Background
The arrest followed Okorie being taken into custody by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja after she was reportedly picked up at her Lagos residence.
Industry colleagues and fans have expressed mixed reactions online. Filmmaker Ajemba Stanley criticized the timing and handling of the case on social media, calling it an “abuse of power” and urging authorities to respect due legal process.
This latest legal battle stems from a long-running public feud between Okorie and Mercy Johnson that has played out on social media over the last couple of years. While the specific posts in question haven’t been made public by police, the feud reportedly involved allegations about personal conduct and public statements that ignited heated responses from fans and entertainment watchers alike.
📅 What’s Next?
Okorie is expected to return to court on January 30, 2026, for the formal bail hearing. Her legal team will continue to argue for her release while the prosecution prepares to present its case.
Until then, the entertainment world continues to watch closely as one of Nollywood’s most talked-about figures faces serious legal scrutiny — raising important questions about online speech, celebrity rivalries, and the reach of cybercrime laws in Nigeria.
