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Nollywood actor and filmmaker Ugezu J. Ugezu has been granted bail in the sum of N20 million following his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged defamatory statements published on Facebook against politician Daniel Kanu.
The actor appeared before Justice Salim Ibrahim on Friday, November 13, 2026, after the Inspector-General of Police filed a four-count charge against him bordering on alleged cybercrime offences. Ugezu, however, pleaded not guilty to all four counts.
According to the prosecution, the allegations stem from several publications made on the actor's Facebook account, Ugezu J. Ugezu, around May 19, 2026.
The police claimed that some of the posts contained damaging descriptions of Kanu, including accusations linking him to criminal activities and his alleged support for the administration of former military ruler General Sani Abacha.
The charges also accused the filmmaker of making claims that Kanu had previously been arrested and prosecuted over financial fraud and questionable transactions involving a bank.
In another alleged publication, Ugezu reportedly questioned Kanu's whereabouts after the politician withdrew from active national politics and public engagements.
The prosecution maintained that the actor knew the statements were false and published them with the intention of intimidating, harassing or threatening the politician, allegedly causing him to fear for his safety.
Following the actor's plea, police counsel Kufreabasi Ebong requested that the court fix a date for the commencement of trial.
However, Ugezu's lawyer, Obi Nwakor, informed the judge that a bail application had already been submitted on behalf of his client.
Although the prosecution opposed the application, Justice Ibrahim approved the request and granted the actor bail with strict conditions.
The court ordered Ugezu to provide two sureties, with one required to be a civil servant occupying a position not below Grade Level 14. Both sureties must reside in Abuja and submit affidavits of means.
They are also expected to provide three years of tax clearance certificates, while the actor and his sureties must submit their National Identification Number cards and passport photographs.
The judge further directed that Ugezu remain in custody until all the bail requirements are satisfied.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until February 10, 2027, for the commencement of trial.
The legal proceedings come months after Ugezu publicly apologised to Kanu on June 22, 2026, over the controversial Facebook publications.
During the apology, the actor reportedly withdrew his earlier allegations and acknowledged that he did not possess credible evidence to substantiate the claims.
He also expressed regret over his comments and accepted responsibility for the publications.
Kanu had previously challenged the allegations, insisting that claims concerning his supposed arrest, prosecution and imprisonment were untrue and damaging to his reputation.
He also maintained that his involvement in initiatives during the Abacha administration should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.
Despite the earlier apology, the actor is now expected to face trial as the court prepares to hear the case in February 2027.
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