Popular Nigerian actress Angela Okorie has been remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre over allegations of criminal defamation and cyberstalking against fellow actress Mercy Johnson Okojie.
The Abuja court issued the remand order on Wednesday, following her arrest in Lagos late Tuesday. Angela was flown to Abuja for arraignment on Wednesday morning. She pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge and will remain in custody until her bail hearing on January 30, 2026.
The prosecution alleges that Okorie and an associate used social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, to make defamatory statements, including referring to Mercy Johnson as a “blood‑sucking demon,” which violates the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Nollywood filmmaker Stanley Ontop criticized the speed of the judicial process and emphasized that defamation is normally a civil matter. On Instagram, he wrote:
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“Free @realangelaokorie now. Irrespective of who is involved. If you feel they defamed your person, kindly approach a competent court and sue the person involved. Omo when Nigeria police will even learn to do their work well?”
He added:
“So the judicial can work this fast? Tell me how you will sleep this night knowing fully well that ur colleague is in prison!!! Angela I will never forsake you.”
Angela’s lawyer argued that she was not given adequate time to prepare her defense and that the charges were served late, but the court denied bail.
Her management, Moving Train Entertainment Limited, has publicly disputed the remand, insisting Okorie did not defame Mercy Johnson. Colleagues in the entertainment industry, including actress Doris Ogala, have also appealed for mercy, calling the prison remand unexpected.
