Odama Regains Freedom as Court Strikes Out Case Over Alleged Online Bullying of Otu

CALABAR — Denis Odama, a businessman and vocal critic of Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, has been discharged by a Calabar Magistrate Court after the prosecution withdrew the case against him.

Odama was released on Thursday after spending seven days at the Afokang Correctional Centre over a charge alleging that he bullied the governor online.

Prosecuting counsel, F.O. Okoi, told the court that the nominal complainant had forgiven Odama and instructed the prosecution to discontinue the proceedings.

“I have the directives of the applicant to withdraw this application,” Okoi said.

According to him, the decision followed efforts by some well-meaning citizens who intervened in the matter and appealed to the complainant, who subsequently agreed to forgive Odama.

“Therefore, we withdraw this application and ask the court to strike it out and let the defendant be discharged,” he said.

The withdrawal came a day after reports that Governor Otu had instructed the state Attorney-General to take steps to discontinue the case against the businessman.

Odama’s counsel, K. Udam, who appeared for Kyrian Omang alongside other members of the defence team, said there was no objection to the prosecution’s request.

“We will not be opposing the application by the prosecution,” Udam said.

He praised the decision and said: “I borrow the saying that it is better for 99 criminals to walk free than for an innocent man to be locked up.”

Festus Eze of the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch, also applauded the prosecution’s decision.

Eze said prosecutors were legally empowered to withdraw or discontinue a case at any stage, describing the decision as “a good omen for the development of the state.”

“Everything that has a beginning will have an end,” he added.

Magistrate Mercy Ene, while ruling on the application, commended the complainant for opting for forgiveness and referenced Matthew 5:9, which addresses the role of peacemakers.

She said the court was minded to grant the application, noting the “negative momentum” the matter had generated on social media.

The magistrate urged the parties to “embrace the olive branch” and prayed for divine guidance.

She subsequently struck out suit No. MC/MSC/413/2026 and discharged Odama.

“The suit number MC/MSC/413/2026 is accordingly struck out and the defendant is hereby discharged. This is the order of the court,” Magistrate Ene ruled.

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