Court Sets July 25 for Ruling on Bail Application of TikToker ‘Tumma’ Accused of Defaming Regina Daniels
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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Friday, July 25, 2025, to rule on the bail application filed on behalf of Gabriel Timothy, popularly known as Tumma, a TikTok personality facing trial over alleged cyberstalking and defamation of Regina Daniels, wife of Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the Nigerian Senate.
TJ News Nigeriareports that Tumma was arraigned before Justice Yilwa H. Joseph on a two-count charge bordering on cybercrime-related offences. He was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the determination of his bail application.
Defence Seeks Liberal Bail Terms
During the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Tumma’s lawyer, S.M. Oyeghe, urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, citing Sections 156 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution.
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“We have an application, a motion on notice dated 23rd June 2025 but filed on June 30, 2025. It is for the bail of the defendant,” Oyeghe told the court.
The motion, supported by a four-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Gabriel Victor, contains a single prayer seeking bail for the defendant pending the hearing and determination of the substantive charges.
Prosecution Opposes Bail
However, E.A. Enegbenosi, counsel to the prosecution, opposed the application. He argued that the defendant failed to present sufficient justification for the court to exercise discretion in granting bail.
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After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Yilwa H. Joseph adjourned ruling on the bail application to July 25, 2025, and fixed October 8, 2025, for commencement of trial.
Charges Against Tumma
The charges—filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/235/025—were brought by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, on behalf of the complainants. The TikToker is accused of committing injurious falsehood and cyberstalking against Regina Daniels, a prominent Nollywood actress, and her husband, Senator Nwoko.
TJ News Nigeria learnt that Gabriel pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial arraignment. He was earlier remanded in Keffi Correctional Centre before being transferred to Kuje upon arraignment in the Federal High Court.
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Delay Over Missing Court File
At a previous sitting, efforts to hear the bail application were stalled when the court noted that the application had not been properly filed. Although his legal team, led by S.M. Oyeghe and A.K. Musa, had filed the motion on June 30, it was reportedly not in the court’s file on the day of hearing.
This development led Justice Joseph to adjourn the bail proceedings and order the defendant’s remand until proper filing was confirmed.
Nwoko’s Reaction to Alleged Defamation
In a statement released on June 21, Senator Ned Nwoko, through his Media Directorate, vowed to take legal action against the TikToker over what he described as “vile, reckless, and malicious statements” directed at him and his wife.
“We have taken full notice of the defamatory remarks made by one Timothy Gabriel, alias Tumma. He not only attacked Regina Daniels, an accomplished actress and my wife, but also me,” Nwoko stated.
He continued:
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“There is no democracy anywhere in the world where freedom of speech includes freedom to defame, blackmail, or incite hatred under the guise of online influence. The internet is not above the law.”
According to him, the defamatory contents were deliberate, provocative, and targeted at tarnishing reputations. He noted that legal steps were being pursued through his team of lawyers, who also represent Regina Daniels.
Legal Battle Sparks Public Reactions
The case has stirred significant public interest, particularly on social media, where opinions are divided. While some defend Tumma’s freedom of expression, others argue that the line was crossed when personal attacks and unverified claims were made against public figures.
Some human rights groups have also questioned the speed and tone of the legal process, calling for judicial caution and respect for due process in dealing with cyber-related speech offences.
Key Dates to Watch:
- July 25, 2025 – Ruling on Tumma’s bail application
- October 8, 2025 – Scheduled date for trial commencement
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