David Nwokorie, who was arrested following a breakup with Genevieve Opara, the daughter of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hilary Opara, has been released on administrative bail.

Nwokorie regained his freedom on Thursday after the intervention of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.

“The bail process was made possible by Sowore, and the process was facilitated by Isaac Bristol and his (Nwokorie’s) lawyer,” a source told SaharaReporters.

The Nigeria Police Force had earlier imposed stringent administrative bail conditions on Nwokorie, who was arrested last week by operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and remained in custody until his release.

Genevieve, a Deputy Manager at the National Pension Commission and wife of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official Seal Nwaka, had accused Nwokorie of cyberstalking and blackmail—allegations that led to his arrest.

SaharaReporters had previously reported Sowore’s intervention, which prompted police authorities to allow Nwokorie’s lawyer to process his release on bail.

“I got involved and asked the CP (Commissioner of Police) of NCC (National Cybercrime Center) to release him. He said we could send his lawyer. But when the lawyer arrived, they were met with ludicrous bail conditions. Officer Omaka insisted that nothing would change them,” Sowore said on Wednesday.

A document seen by SaharaReporters showed that the FCID had demanded two sureties for Nwokorie’s bail. The sureties must either be Federal Government employees not below Grade Level 17, or businessmen with landed properties in Abuja covered by a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Alternatively, the sureties could be businessmen with registered companies and landed properties within the FCT valued at no less than ₦500 million.

According to the bail conditions, if the sureties presented are federal government employees, they must provide letters of introduction from their respective organisations, valid identification cards, and other supporting documents.

Alternatively, if the sureties are businessmen, they must submit copies of their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration certificates, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for their landed properties in Abuja, and present the original documents for verification.

In both instances, the sureties must provide their passports along with two recent passport-sized photographs.

Sources told SaharaReporters that Genevieve and her family were upset over some messages allegedly sent by Nwokorie after their breakup.

In the messages, Nwokorie reportedly accused Genevieve of struggling with mental health issues and being emotionally unhealed from a previous relationship with a man based abroad, before entering into another relationship with someone she did not love.

He also allegedly described her as “unteachable” and “hot-headed,” and claimed she would still be jobless if not for her father’s influence in securing her role at the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Background

According to David’s legal counsel, Barrister Ezike Chibuzor, who is also representing him in the ongoing case, the situation stems from a failed relationship between David and Genevieve.

Chibuzor explained that David only discovered Genevieve had previously been married and had two children after their relationship had progressed significantly.

“Genevieve never disclosed her past marriage and children to David. When he found out, he ended the relationship,” Chibuzor said.

The lawyer further alleged that tensions escalated in January when Genevieve found out that David had proposed to another woman. In response, she reportedly stormed his home and damaged several household items.

“David forgave her initially, but the problems continued. Eventually, he decided to end both the relationship and their joint NGO project, which they had started less than a year ago,” the lawyer added.

David, through his lawyer, reportedly demanded N25 million in compensation from Genevieve for the damages caused to his property.

He also posted a flyer online with Genevieve’s picture, describing her as “wanted for damages done to his home.”

Genevieve, in reaction to the post, filed a petition with the police, alleging cyberbullying and extortion. This led to David’s arrest.

“She was not happy about the post and reported him to the police. That’s how this issue started,” said the lawyer.

Meanwhile, David’s family alleges that Genevieve’s father, retired DIG Hilary Okpara, used his influence to get David arrested and detained.

“When we checked his [Hilary Okpara’s] profile, we saw that he was once a Commissioner of Police and later retired as an Assistant Inspector General (AIG). We believe he’s using his influence to keep David behind bars,” a family member told SaharaReporters.

There are also reports that David contacted Genevieve’s estranged husband, allegedly sending him photos of himself with Genevieve and her children.

He has reportedly expressed a willingness to testify in the ongoing custody battle between the couple.

SaharaReporters gathered that Genevieve is currently in court with her husband over a pending divorce case.

“Genevieve and her husband are currently in court over custody of their children. David is promising to serve as a witness against her,” Chibuzor confirmed.

When SaharaReporters contacted Genevieve Opara for comment, she said David is currently detained for blackmail, cyberbullying, and making threats to life.

“I think you should speak to my lawyer because you won’t be able to get all the necessary information from me. The matter has already progressed significantly. Please speak to my lawyer — it’s already in court,” she said.

“Maybe I’ll share my lawyer’s number with you so you can call her. Let her tell you what she can disclose. But the police cannot just arrest people arbitrarily.”

“They must have had some information. He is — well, he is currently detained for blackmail, cyberbullying, and making threats to life. The police have a clear picture and a full story,” she added.

When SaharaReporters contacted Genevieve’s lawyer, she said: “I cannot divulge any further information. As of today, the matter is sub judice. That means it is already before the court, okay? And I cannot speak on it.

“You are acting on speculations, and I am telling you that the matter is now sub judice. As of today, it has already been filed in court and is now before a competent court of jurisdiction.”

“So, we can’t speak further on this matter,” she added.