Petition Alleges Cyberbullying Of Okpebholo, Oba Of Benin

Group seeks UK probe into alleged online harassment and defamation targeting Okpebholo, Oba of Benin, others.

A coalition has petitioned British authorities to investigate a United Kingdom-registered company and its Nigerian-born director over allegations of cyberbullying, online harassment and defamation targeting several prominent Nigerian public figures.

The petition, submitted to the British High Commission in Abuja by the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa, alleges that online platforms linked to CTNaija Entertainment Ltd and its sole director, Albert Obazee, were used to publish content considered defamatory and harmful to the reputations of notable Nigerians.

Among those named in the petition as alleged targets are the Governor of Edo State, ; Deputy Governor ; the ; and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Emperor Jarret Tenebe.

The petition, dated June 15, 2026, urged British authorities to examine complaints alleging sustained online attacks, intimidation campaigns and the publication of unverified claims capable of causing reputational damage.

In the petition signed by the Country Director of the coalition, Mr. John Mayaki, the group said it had received multiple complaints from Nigerians who claimed to have been subjected to harassment and reputational attacks through online platforms associated with the company.

The coalition stressed that the allegations remain unproven and have not been established by any court of law but maintained that the volume of complaints justified an independent investigation.

According to the petition, the matter raises concerns about whether a company registered under British law may have operated in a manner inconsistent with standards of responsible journalism, corporate governance and online safety.

The group further argued that the complaints raise questions about possible compliance with United Kingdom laws relating to online communications, harassment and misuse of digital platforms.

It warned that cyberbullying and reputational attacks could result in emotional distress, loss of economic opportunities, social stigma and damage to public confidence in legitimate media institutions.

“The impact of online harassment and reputational attacks can be severe and far-reaching,” the petition stated.

The coalition therefore called on the British High Commission to transmit the petition to relevant authorities in the United Kingdom for review and possible action.

Among its requests are a comprehensive assessment of complaints against CTNaija Entertainment Ltd and associated online platforms, an investigation into compliance with applicable UK laws and a determination of whether any civil, criminal or corporate violations may have occurred.

The petition also advocated stronger collaboration between British and Nigerian authorities in addressing cross-border cyber harassment, online abuse and reputational attacks conducted through digital platforms.

While reaffirming its support for freedom of expression and media freedom, the coalition argued that such rights should not be used to justify intimidation, blackmail, defamation or other forms of abuse.

Copies of the petition were reportedly forwarded to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Companies House, the National Cyber Crime Centre Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Human Rights Commission.

As of press time, neither CTNaija Entertainment Ltd nor its director, Albert Obazee, had publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.

The allegations remain claims by the petitioners and no finding of wrongdoing has been made by any court or competent authority.