In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed the cyberstalking charges against four bloggers, Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, following the withdrawal of the case by Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Agbaje.

The bloggers had been in custody for approximately six months, facing allegations under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act. The charges pertained to the publication of purportedly false information about GTCO and its CEO.

During the recent court proceedings, Chief Ajibola Aribisala (SAN), representing the prosecution, informed Justice Ayokunle Faji that GTCO had reconsidered its position after the bloggers acknowledged their actions and sought an amicable resolution. This led to an out-of-court settlement facilitated by the Guild of Editors, culminating in the formal withdrawal of the charges.

Consequently, Justice Faji struck out the case, bringing relief to the bloggers who had endured a prolonged legal ordeal. This outcome underscores the potential for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing conflicts between corporate entities and individuals in the digital age.