South African activist sentenced for WhatsApp comment on Emeka Offor’s company
An Anambra State High Court in Nnewi sentenced South African-based activist Boniface Okonkwo to 18 months in prison for defaming businessman Sir Emeka Offor.
Presiding Justice Vincent Agbata found Okonkwo guilty of posting defamatory content on the “Oraifite WhatsApp platform,” where he described Offor’s meter manufacturing company as an “empty warehouse.”
In his judgment, Agbata stated that the evidence was sufficient for conviction but offered Okonkwo the option of a N500,000 fine. Okonkwo was arrested in January 2024 following Offor’s complaint.
The prosecution presented evidence, including a phone call allegedly made by the defendant in the courtroom, linking him to the defamatory post through the Truecaller app as “overheat.”
Justice Agbata noted that both Offor and Boniface are from Oraifite and belong to the same Oraifite WhatsApp group, which was undisputed.
He also mentioned that notable figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, had visited the Oraifite community for an event related to the case, with trouble arising two days after the defamatory publication appeared.
The judge highlighted that Okonkwo initially defended himself through his counsel, claiming justification and fair comment, only to later deny making the defamatory statement.
In reaction to the judgment, defense counsel S.I. Okonkwo expressed mixed feelings, stating he was unhappy with the outcome but relieved by the option of a fine.
He commented, “The defense did a good job, as the prosecution failed to establish that the radio station owner, said to be defamed, was not Emeka Offor but rather corporate bodies mentioned by the station’s director.
While the judge is experienced and has rendered his decision, we will analyze the judgment and determine our next steps. I’m not satisfied with the ruling, but I’m glad there’s an option for a fine.”
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
