A medical doctor, Kadev Kenneth Kelvin, has been remanded in the Federal Correctional facility in Makurdi by a Benue State Magistrate Court for alleged cyber stalking. Dr. Kadev was accused of making a Facebook comment on March 12, 2023, stating that he stitched the lacerated anus of the Benue State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bemgba Iortyom, after he was sodomized in Abuja prison in 2017.
According to the first information report of the police, a criminal petition was received by the Commissioner of Police written by D.K Iorhemba and Co as Barrister and Solicitors on behalf of Bemgba Iortyom, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Benue State. The petition stated that one Kadev Kenneth Kelvin, a Medical Doctor who works at Kadev Health Systems Services of No.9 opposite Holy Covenant, Otukpo Road, Makurdi, made damaging comments on Bemgba on the 12th of March, 2023, at about 1300hrs, on Facebook.
The police conducted an investigation and arrested Kadev Kenneth Kelvin. The statement made on Facebook was screenshot for evidence, and he confessed committing the said offence. The offence contravenes section 24(1)(a)(b)(i) of the Cyber Crimes Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2015.
When the case came up in court, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction. The police prosecutor, Inspector S. O. Itodo, informed the court that the investigation into the matter was still in progress. He asked the court for another date to enable the prosecution to prove its case.
The court, thereafter, remanded Kadev Kenneth Kelvin in the Federal Correctional facility in Makurdi pending the determination of the case. The case has been adjourned until the 25th of April 2023, for further hearing.
Cyber stalking is a serious offence in Nigeria, and those found guilty may face up to three years imprisonment or a fine of up to N7 million. It is essential for individuals to be cautious of what they post on social media, as it may lead to legal consequences.