Nigerian Lawyer Slammed with Terrorism Charges for Criticising State Governor

Joseph Odok, a Nigerian lawyer and a well-known critic of the governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has been charged with terrorism.

Mr Odok could be sentenced to death if found guilty.

The lawyer was brought before the Federal High Court, Calabar, on Tuesday by the police in Cross River after spending several days in detention.

He is also charged with cybercrime for allegedly accusing the chief of staff to Mr Ayade of being a cultist.

He pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

Justice Simon Amobeda ordered that Mr Odok be remanded in Calabar prison pending when his bail application would be heard on October 29.

“What they call terrorism, according to the prosecution counsel, is that he incited his community people against another community,” Mr Odok’s lawyer, Oliver Osang, told PREMIUM TIMES. “The charges are phantom charges, they are politically motivated.”