Court discharges Otu critic Odama after seven days at Afokang

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…as prosecution withdraws alleged online bullying charge

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By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

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A Calabar Magistrate Court on Thursday discharged businessman and critic of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Denis Odama, after the prosecution withdrew the charge of allegedly bullying the governor online.

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Odama, who had spent seven days at the Afokang Correctional Centre, regained his freedom following an application by the prosecution to discontinue the case.

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The prosecution, led by F.O. Okoi, told the court that the nominal complainant had forgiven the defendant and directed that the proceedings be withdrawn.

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“I have the directives of the applicant to withdraw this application,” Okoi told the court.

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He said the decision followed interventions by some well-meaning citizens who approached the complainant, adding that the complainant had decided to forgive Odama.

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“Therefore, we withdraw this application and ask the court to strike it out and let the defendant be discharged,” he said.

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The development came a day after reports that Governor Otu had directed the Attorney-General of the state to ensure that the proceedings against Odama were discontinued.

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Counsel to Odama, K. Udam, who held brief for Kyrian Omang and appeared with members of the defence team, said the defence would not oppose the prosecution’s application.

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“We will not be opposing the application by the prosecution,” Udam said.

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He commended the decision, adding: “I borrow the saying that it is better for 99 criminals to walk free than for an innocent man to be locked up.”

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Also, Festus Eze, who represented the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch, commended the prosecution for withdrawing the case.

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Eze said the law permitted the prosecution to withdraw and discontinue a case at any time, describing the development as “a good omen for the development of the state.”

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“Everything that has a beginning will have an end,” he added.

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In her ruling, Magistrate Mercy Ene commended the complainant for choosing forgiveness and cited Matthew 5:9, which speaks about peacemakers.

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The magistrate said the court was minded to grant the application, particularly in view of the “negative momentum” generated by the case on social media.

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She urged the parties to “embrace the olive branch” and prayed for divine guidance.

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Consequently, the court struck out suit No. MC/MSC/413/2026 and discharged Odama.

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“The suit number MC/MSC/413/2026 is accordingly struck out and the defendant is hereby discharged. This is the order of the court,” she ruled.

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