"From Screen to Dock!" — Nollywood Actor Ugezu J. Ugezu Arraigned for Calling Politician Daniel Kanu an "Ex-Convict," Granted N20m Bail

Abdulhameed Sherif · Entertainment · Nov 13, 2026

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Ugezu J. Ugezu, 56, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged defamatory Facebook posts against politician Daniel Kanu.

The actor was brought before Justice Salim Ibrahim on Friday, November 13, 2026, on a four-count charge bordering on cybercrime offences, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/440/2026, filed by the Inspector-General of Police . The charges stem from posts Ugezu allegedly published on his Facebook account, "Ugezu J. Ugezu," on or about May 19, 2026 .

According to the prosecution, the actor's posts contained a series of damaging claims. In one, he allegedly described Kanu as "a criminal, ex-convict and a political sycophant who did not end well for supporting General Abacha" . In another, he claimed Kanu "was arrested and prosecuted over allegations related to financial fraud and illegal dealings involving a bank" . A third post questioned Kanu's whereabouts after he reportedly withdrew from national politics, stating: "After serving his sentence, Kanu largely withdrew from national politics and public attention. Unlike some other figures from that era, he did not successfully reinvent himself in mainstream Nigerian politics. Where is he now?" .

The police allege that Ugezu knew these statements were false and that they were intended to bully, threaten, or harass Kanu by placing him in fear of death . The politician had earlier challenged the publication, insisting that the claims about his alleged arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment were false and defamatory, and that his past involvement in initiatives during General Sani Abacha's administration should not be used to support false allegations against him .

Ugezu pleaded not guilty to all four counts . His counsel, Obi Nwakor, informed the court of a bail application, which the prosecution opposed . Despite the objection, Justice Ibrahim held that the motion for bail was meritorious and admitted the actor to bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties . The judge stipulated that one of the sureties must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 14, both must reside in Abuja and depose to affidavits of means, and one must produce three years of tax clearance certificates . Ugezu and his sureties were also ordered to submit their national identity cards and passport photographs . Until all conditions are met, the actor will remain in custody .

The case has been adjourned until February 10, 2027, for commencement of trial . The arraignment follows an earlier public apology by Ugezu on June 22, 2026, in which he withdrew the allegations against Kanu and admitted that he had no credible evidence to support them, expressing regret and accepting responsibility for the statements . Despite that retraction, the legal consequences have now caught up with him—and the courtroom drama is only just beginning.