Friday James Alefia, a journalist and publisher of Naija News Today, has accused Ebonyi State lawmaker Chinedu Ogah of using the police to intimidate and harass him over investigative reports, turning his life upside down.

Alefia recounts that on September 23, 2025, six police officers, four armed, arrived at his Lagos home without prior notice, ransacked his room, and seized his phone, laptop, passport, and clothes. Officers reportedly told him, “You’re not coming back anytime soon,” heightening his fear. He was initially detained at Area F Command in Ikeja before being transferred to the defunct SARS facility in Abuja, spending six weeks in custody.

According to Alefia, the detention followed complaints by Ogah regarding reports on land grabbing, alleged threats against constituents, and alleged extortion, which the journalist insists were legitimate investigative work. Alefia also claimed that Ogah personally threatened him during this period.

Alefia highlighted a wider pattern of intimidation, naming at least four other individuals from Ebonyi State allegedly detained over similar accusations of cyberstalking or cyberbullying linked to Ogah. These include Achor Chisom, Imeba Chinonso Uguru, Paul Chinagwor Nweke, and Kindness Jonah, many of whom remain incarcerated far from home.

In November 2025, Alefia was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of false publication, conspiracy, and cyberstalking under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, all of which he pleaded not guilty to. Bail was delayed due to procedural issues, and his trial is scheduled to begin on January 27, 2026.

Despite the ordeal, Alefia remains defiant, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and holding public officials accountable.