Court strikes out two cases against Ayade’s critic

The Magistrate Court sitting in Calabar has struck out two cases against a social critic in Cross River State, Mr Paul Ifere, known for his strong criticisms of Governor Ben Ayade.

Ifere was charged to court for comments he made on Facebook and WhatsApp in 2017 at the Magistrate Court 1 in Calabar.

A four-count charge, two apiece in two separate charge sheets bordering on misdemeanor were brought against Ifere by the Commissioner of Police.

The first charge sheet with numbers MC.1140C/2017 was about a Whatsapp message to one Goddy Akpama on August 17, 2017, which was said to be with intent to intimidate and threaten him and his reputation and thereby an offence.

The second count of the same charge also bordering on the same message to Goddy Akpama was for an offence of misdemeanor.

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The second with two count charges as well with number MC 1141C/2017 bordered on his Facebook which he made and published on the 8th and 9th of July 2016.

Chief Magistrate Rita Marshall yesterday struck out both cases on Friday for lack of diligent prosecution.

She said the complainant has consistently been absent anytime the matter came up without any explanation.

She said the prosecution was nonchalant and irresponsible.

She commended the accused and his counsel for being committed and always being in court.

Counsel to the accused, Utum Eteng, expressed gratitude for the verdict, saying it was justice in action.

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