Akwa Ibom Police Arraign Social Media Influencer Over Alleged Defamation, Public Order Offences

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arraigned a social media user, God’sown Monday Udoito (female), popularly known online as Princess God’sown Udoito, before the Akwa Ibom State High Court, Uyo Judicial Division, over a six-count charge bordering on alleged criminal defamation and public order offences.

The defendant was charged following a petition dated January 10, 2026, which accused her of using her Facebook account—reportedly followed by over 20,000 users—to publish and circulate false, misleading, defamatory and threatening statements and videos. According to the police, the publications were capable of inciting fear, panic and public disorder.

Police investigations alleged that the defendant published content accusing the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, of unlawfully selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area to private entities and misappropriating the proceeds. The Command stated that the allegations were false and defamatory.

Further investigations revealed that some of the publications allegedly contained threats, including references to the use of “juju” and ancestral forces, as well as materials capable of causing fear and unrest, particularly within Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas of the state.

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 are said to be contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. 39, Vol. 2, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and the Internal Security and Enforcement Law, Cap. 73, Vol. 4, Laws of Akwa Ibom State, 2022.

In a statement, the Police Command reiterated that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it does not extend to the spread of falsehoods, defamatory material, threats or any conduct capable of undermining public peace and security. The police warned that misuse of social media platforms to incite violence, spread false information or cause public disorder would attract the full weight of the law.

The Command assured members of the public that the case would be diligently prosecuted in line with due process and the rule of law, while emphasizing that the fundamental rights of the defendant would be fully respected throughout the proceedings. The public was also advised to verify information before sharing and to channel grievances through lawful and appropriate avenues.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges and was subsequently remanded in correctional custody pending further hearing.
The statement was signed by the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, MNIPR, fsi, and dated January 15, 2026.