A Magistrate Court in Lokoja, Kogi State has granted the prosecution’s request in the cyberstalking and criminal defamation case against a politician, Austin Okai to enable the Department of State Services (DSS) to conclude their investigations into the allegations.

The decision of the DSS to seek for the remand in prison custody was to ensure compliance with the law by not keeping the accused beyond 48 hours in custody without the lawful permission of the court in line with the Criminal Justice System of Nigeria.

Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Mobah Abdullahi granted the application of the Prosecution.

Okai has been remanded at the Federal Correctional Center, Kabba while the case was adjourned to March 13, 2025.

He is facing trial for his allegation on the social media that the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo allegedly stole billions of naira meant for the local government councils in the state as well as some agencies under the state government.

Okai, a former PDP candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election, is facing trial over a social media post in which he alleged that Governor Ododo misappropriated billions of naira meant for Local Government Councils and state agencies.

The court’s ruling ensures that Okai remains in custody while investigations continue.