Alleged defamation: Appeal Court affirms ruling on Princess Udoito’s bail rejection

The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar has affirmed the decision of Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo, which refused to grant bail to a Facebook user, Princess God’sown Udoito.

DAILY POST reports that the suspect is standing trial over alleged defamatory publications against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

Recall that the High Court Judge in Uyo, Hon. Justice Winifred Umohandi had denied the defendant bail, citing gravity of the offenses, flight risk and risk to public order, while mandating for accelerated hearing to hasten the trial.

The Defence Counsel challenged the decision of the High Court at the appellent court in Calabar.

But in a judgment delivered on Wednesday, the appellate court dismissed Udoito’s appeal, thereby upholding the refusal of her bail application.

The three-member panel was unanimous in its decision, which was delivered by Hon. Justice Mohammed Ambi-Usi Danjuma.

Chief State Counsel, Utomobong Inyang, Esq. represented the State, while Akpadiaha Ebitu, Esq. represented the Appellant.