By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
CYBERSTALKING AND defamation case filed by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) against four journalists has been struck out by the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, following an amicable settlement.
Presiding over the case (FHC/L/774C/2024), Justice Ayokunle Faji ruled in favour of dismissal after the prosecution, led by Chief Ajibola Aribisala (SAN), informed the court that GTCO and the accused parties had reached a resolution.
Supporting documents confirming the withdrawal of allegations were submitted to the court.
The journalists – Precious Eze (38), Olawale Rotimi (47), Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami – were initially arrested in September 2024 by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, following a petition by GTCO.
They were charged under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act for allegedly disseminating false information about GTCO and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Segun Agbaje.
During the court session, Chief Aribisala stated that the defendants had sought reconciliation, prompting GTCO’s leadership to reconsider its stance.
Also facilitated by the intervention of the Guild of Editors for a further resolution; according to Aribisala, the journalists had acknowledged their actions and committed to rectifying their previous reports.
As part of the agreement, they pledged to issue unreserved apologies in three national newspapers and refrain from publishing misleading or defamatory content in the future.
The signed terms of settlement, approved by all parties, were presented to the court.
Justice Faji, upon reviewing the agreement, ordered that all terms outlined in the deed of settlement be upheld.
Consequently, the charge against the journalists was struck out, granting them reprieve after spending six months in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services.
The original charge, amended on 26 September 2024, had accused the defendants of conspiring to commit cyberstalking by publishing false reports on social media, including allegations of financial misconduct and nepotism involving GTCO’s CEO.
The prosecution contended that such publications were intended to cause harm, criminal intimidation, and public distrust.
With the court’s ruling, the journalists are now expected to comply with the agreed-upon restitution, marking the conclusion of the high-profile case.
