February 4, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
ABUJA, Nigeria — Popular Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has been released from the custody of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command after her rearrest earlier this week in connection with a controversial post she made on social media, authorities and family sources confirmed on Tuesday.
The development follows a flurry of public attention after Okorie was initially detained by police on Monday after sharing a video on her verified social media channels that security officials said allegedly contained “inciting language” and commentary it deemed capable of disturbing public order. Police maintained that the post violated sections of the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act and relevant provisions of the criminal code relating to public safety and peace.
Okorie, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s film industry with a large following online, was first detained briefly last month after a series of posts expressing strong views on social and governance issues. At that time, the FCT police had cautioned her to exercise greater restraint in her public commentary. However, her latest video reignited debate over the limits of public speech, celebrity influence, and enforcement of digital-speech regulations.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Okorie was released following intervention by her legal team, public pressure from colleagues and civil liberties groups, and a decision by police prosecutors to grant her bail on strict conditions. Court documents show that she was arraigned before a magistrate’s court in Abuja on charges relating to alleged conduct capable of inciting public disturbance via a communications network. She was ordered to surrender her travel documents and report regularly to the police pending hearing of the case.
Okorie’s legal counsel, Mr. Chukwudi Okeke (SAN), described the actress’s release and bail as “a welcome vindication of the right to free speech within lawful bounds,” while also urging security agencies to ensure that prosecutions in such matters respect constitutional freedoms and due process. He stated that his client intends to vigorously defend herself in court.
Supporters of Okorie, including fellow entertainers and advocacy groups, have rallied on social media and in public statements, arguing that enforcement of online speech laws should be consistent and fair, without disproportionately targeting entertainers or public figures. Some rights advocates have also called for clearer guidelines on how digital media regulations are applied to personal commentary and criticism of public institutions.
The FCT police command, while confirming her release on bail, reiterated its position that no individual is above the law and that social media users must be mindful of legal boundaries when posting content. The command said it remains committed to balancing public order with respect for citizens’ rights as enshrined in the constitution.
As of this report, Okorie has not issued a public statement following her release, but sources close to her indicate she plans to address her followers and the public in the coming days as her legal case progresses.