The High Court sitting in Umuahia ,Abia State presided over by Justice Enwereji has cautioned Nollywood actress,Chioma Toplis over false and malicious allegations of stealing, conspiracy and threat to life against the Traditional Prime Minister, Ibeku Ancient Kingdom, Uche Akwukwuegbu also known as BAWAS.
In a report gathered by newsstatlet concerning the hearing on the case brought forward by Chioma Toplis, continued on Wednesday,21st February ,2024 at the High Court in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital at the continued hearing in the Court the Presiding Judge, Justice Enwereji learnt from the Counsel to the witness Barr. A.I Ogbouaba, that the defendant, Juliet Onuoha flouted parts of her bail conditions by constantly engaging in cyber stalking, stressing that she has continued to publish inciting stories against the witness ( High Chief, Uche Akwukwuegbu, Bawas).
Justice Enwereji cautioned Chioma Toplis to refrain from her continuous publication which tends to incite the public against the witness’s reputation as she sighted the evidence published in one of the dailies.
She further maintained that it was wrong for Toplis to constantly disregard the recommendations of the court, not minding the circumstances surrounding the allegations levelled against her which is expected to be pursued to a logical conclusion.
The Judge also threatened to withdraw the case from the court and transfer to another if Counsel to Chioma Toplis continues to exhibit unruly behaviour which tend to ridicule the court.
Justice Enwereji also warned the two Counsels in the matter to conduct themselves professionally while presenting their views on the matter.
She however, reminded Counsel to the Defendant that his client must appear in court any time she is summoned else she will be detained.
During the hearing, Counsel to the Defendant had earlier prayed the court to vacate the order against his client, citing logistics problems, as her client had already paid for number of days to stay in the hotel pending the days of the hearing.
Meanwhile, addressing newsmen, Counsel to the witness, Barr. A.I Ogbouaba, said, the Cyber Crime Act came in order to prevent people from making inciting publications against others, stressing that Chioma Toplis has continued to engage in cyber bullying and making inciting publications against the witness (Uche Akwukwuegbu).
He decried that the Defendant, instead of using her bail to prepare for defence, is using it to forestall the prosecution which he has reminded the court and the need for the court to cancel her bail because she has constantly engaged in cyber bullying.
Barr. A.I Ogbuaba, however told newsmen that the matter has been adjourned to 19th and 20th March, 2024
