The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arraigned a social media user, Ms. God’sown Monday Udoito, popularly known as Princess God’sown Udoito, before the State High Court sitting in Uyo over a six-count charge bordering on criminal defamation, threats, publication of false information and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
Ms. Udoito, who operates a Facebook account with over 20,000 followers, was brought before the court following a petition dated January 10, 2026, alleging that she used her social media platform to publish and circulate false, misleading, defamatory and threatening statements and videos.
According to the Police, investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly accused the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, of unlawfully selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area to private individuals and misappropriating the proceeds from such sales.
The Police further alleged that the publications went beyond defamatory claims, as they reportedly contained threatening language, including references to the use of “juju” and ancestral forces. Investigators stated that the content was capable of instilling fear, panic and public anxiety, particularly among residents of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas, with the potential to trigger unrest and disturb public order.
As a result, the defendant is facing charges of conspiracy to commit criminal defamation, criminal defamation, publication of defamatory matter with intent to intimidate, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, threats capable of causing fear and public disturbance, and publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm.
The offences, the Police said, are contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 39, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, as well as the Internal Security and Enforcement Law, Cap. 73, Vol. 4, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022.
At her arraignment, Ms. Udoito pleaded not guilty to all six counts. The court subsequently ordered that she be remanded in correctional custody pending further proceedings in the case.
Reacting to the development, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterated its commitment to upholding freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution, but warned that such freedom does not extend to the spread of falsehoods, defamatory materials, threats or any conduct capable of undermining public peace and security.
“The use of social media platforms to disseminate false information, issue threats, incite violence or cause public disorder will attract the full weight of the law,” the Police cautioned, urging members of the public to verify information before sharing and to pursue grievances through lawful and appropriate channels.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, MNIPR, fsi, assured residents that the matter would be diligently prosecuted in line with due process and the rule of law, while the fundamental rights of the defendant would be fully respected.
The Police also appealed to citizens to act responsibly online, noting that social media remains a powerful tool that must not be abused to the detriment of public peace and societal harmony.
