A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Nollywood actress Angela Okorie bail in the sum of N5 million over allegations of cyberbullying involving her colleague, Mercy Johnson-Okojie.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the matter on Friday, ruled that there was no strong evidence before the court to suggest the actress would flee if released.
“Therefore, I am minded to grant the bail in the interest of justice,” the judge stated during the proceedings.
The court attached firm conditions to the bail. Okorie must provide one surety in like sum, and the surety must be a Level 13 civil servant.
The surety is also required to submit: An affidavit of means, appointment letter, letter of last promotion, two passport photographs and a verifiable residential address confirmed by the court registrar.
Until those conditions are fully met and verified, the judge ordered that the actress remain at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned to March 23 for the commencement of trial.
Angela Okorie was earlier re-arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and criminal defamation, offences said to be contrary to the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015. She pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecuting counsel Victor Okoye opposed the bail request. He told the court that the actress had previously been granted administrative bail but allegedly failed to honour it.
He argued that the offences carry possible prison terms of three to ten years, urging the court to deny bail on the grounds that she might abscond.
However, defence counsel Earnest Nwoye disagreed. He said Okorie did not jump bail but had travelled for medical examination and re-evaluation, a development he said was communicated to the police along with medical documents.
He further argued that the surety remained in contact with authorities and that denying bail would amount to persecution rather than prosecution.
The charges stem from a petition dated May 14, 2025, written by lawyers representing Mercy Johnson-Okojie. The petition accused Okorie of allegedly making defamatory social media posts.
One of the posts referenced in court documents allegedly read:
“Blood sucking demon no see blood suck again… Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart is dark!!!”
According to the petitioners, the message was intended to damage Johnson-Okojie’s reputation, stir public hatred, and cause emotional distress.
Okorie is also accused of allegedly conspiring with Ifeoma Mbonu, who is said to be at large, in making the posts via Instagram and TikTok.
With bail now granted but not yet perfected, attention shifts to the upcoming trial, where the court will examine the full weight of the allegations.