GTBank’s Legal Actions Against Bloggers: A Case Of Systematic Oppression

Unveiling the Suppression of Civic Voices

In a distressing case of corporate overreach, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has been implicated in using legal mechanisms to oppress bloggers, highlighting a troubling trend where powerful elites manipulate the judicial system to silence dissent. This situation underscores a broader pattern of systemic abuse aimed at disempowering the voices of ordinary citizens and independent journalists.

The Case of Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi

This story revolves around Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi, bloggers accused of cyberbullying and extortion by GTBank. The case began when Country Hill, a law firm representing GTBank and its CEO, Segun Agbaje, submitted a petition alleging these bloggers engaged in actions likely to disturb public peace. However, the petition failed to specify any monetary extortion attempts. Upon notification, the accused promptly removed the contested content from their blogs.

Despite their compliance, the police swiftly arrested Eze and Olurotimi. They have been in pre-trial custody for over 91 days—more than double the maximum detention period allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (42 days). Such prolonged detention exemplifies the misuse of legal processes to suppress dissent.

A History of Judicial Manipulation

This case is reminiscent of the 2019 ordeal of Steven Kefas, a vocal critic of human rights violations in Southern Kaduna. Former governor Nasir el-Rufai orchestrated Kefas’ abduction from Rivers State, detaining him on fabricated charges of defamation. Judicial figures like Magistrate Peter Mallong perpetuated this injustice by denying Kefas bail and issuing controversial rulings that contradicted legal precedents.

Similar tactics were employed against Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a legal expert and activist, who faced spurious charges for countering el-Rufai’s claims about violence in Kajuru. These cases expose a judicial system that often prioritizes the interests of the powerful over the rights of ordinary citizens.

GTBank’s High-Powered Prosecution

To prosecute the bloggers, GTBank secured the “fiat” of the Inspector General of Police and assembled a team of ten lawyers, including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). This disproportionate legal muscle highlights the bank’s intent to make an example of the bloggers, a move critics describe as an attempt to “capture the criminal process for destructive purposes.”

Citizens’ Dual Role as Customers and Advocates

As both citizens and customers, Nigerians possess the collective power to challenge such oppressive actions. GTBank’s pursuit of this case not only jeopardizes its reputation but also threatens the fabric of civic responsibility. It is imperative for the bank to reconsider its stance and embrace practices that foster transparency and dialogue rather than intimidation.

A Call for Justice

The ongoing prosecution of bloggers like Eze and Olurotimi represents a troubling escalation of corporate and political efforts to stifle free speech. Such actions undermine Nigeria’s democracy and erode public trust in the judiciary. It is high time for all stakeholders to demand accountability and resist attempts to criminalize civic expression.