The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arraigned Princess Godsown Udoito before the State High Court, Uyo Judicial Division, over a six-count charge bordering on criminal defamation and public order offences.
The charges arose from a petition dated January 10, 2026, which alleged that Princess Godsown Udoito, using her Facebook account with over 20,000 followers, published and circulated false, misleading, defamatory, and threatening statements and videos.
Police investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly accused Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, of unlawfully selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area to private entities and misappropriating the proceeds.
Further investigations showed that the publications allegedly contained threats, including references to the use of “juju” and ancestral forces, as well as content capable of inciting fear, panic, public disorder, and unrest, particularly in Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas.
Princess Godsown Udoito 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.
The Police reiterated that while freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, it does not extend to the dissemination of falsehoods, defamatory material, threats, or content capable of undermining public peace and security.
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 the fundamental rights of the defendant would be respected. The public was also advised to verify information before dissemination and to pursue grievances through lawful and appropriate channels.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and has been remanded in correctional custody, pending further proceedings.
The statement was signed by the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and dated January 15, 2026.
