Peace Ekom Robert, a Nigerian woman accused of fraudulent activities, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja after pleading not guilty to four charges. Previously suing the Nigerian Police for human rights violations, Robert was awarded N200 million in damages by the Akwa Ibom State High Court in August 2023, a ruling yet to be enforced by the police.
Arrested in August 2023, Robert faced accusations of terrorism and publishing libel against an unnamed officer on social media. However, her lawyer, Uwemedimo Nwoko, contends that the charges lack substantiation, particularly in identifying the alleged offended officer.
The court set Robert’s bail at N10 million with two sureties of the same amount. Despite the progress towards justice, the charges against her will be contested. Robert, along with Ubong Udoh, also accused of publishing defamatory content, pleaded not guilty. The Cybercrime Act was cited for the charge of publishing a threatening article against a police officer.
Nwoko disclosed that bail conditions were met on Thursday, and the trial is scheduled to commence on February 20, 2024. After fulfilling the bail requirements, both Robert and Udoh were released, pending finalization of paperwork at the court with their sureties, confirming compliance with bail terms.