A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted Nollywood actress Angela Okorie bail in the sum of ₦5 million over allegations of cyberbullying fellow actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on Friday while considering a bail application filed by Okorie’s counsel, Earnest Nwoye. The prosecution had opposed the request, but the court ruled that there was no sufficient material before it to establish that the defendant would evade trial if released.
In his decision, Justice Nwite stated that bail remains a discretionary power of the court and must be exercised judiciously in the interest of justice. He added that the opposition raised by the prosecution was not backed by concrete evidence.
The court admitted Okorie to bail with one surety in like sum. The judge directed that the surety must be a level 13 civil servant and must depose to an affidavit of means.
Justice Nwite further ordered the surety to present an appointment letter and evidence of their most recent promotion in the civil service. Both Okorie and her surety are also required to submit two recent passport photographs to the court registrar.
In addition, the court ordered that the surety’s residential address be verified by the registrar before the bail can be fully perfected.
Pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions, Justice Nwite directed that Okorie be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until March 23 for the commencement of trial.
The charge stems from allegations that Okorie engaged in cyberbullying against Mercy Johnson-Okojie, a matter that has drawn significant public attention within Nollywood and on social media platforms.
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