By Ogenyi Ogenyi
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the arrest of a social media user, Funke Asekun, and revoked the bail earlier granted to Ayotunde Richard over comments about an ongoing court case posted online.
Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa issued the orders after a police prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, informed the court that a social media post relating to the case had been circulated while the matter was still pending.The case stems from a criminal defamation complaint filed by Dr. Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), against Richard.
According to the prosecutor, the post—allegedly published by Asekun and tagged to Richard—contained statements about the court proceedings. The judge noted that in an affidavit before the court, Richard acknowledged that the post did not accurately reflect what transpired during the hearing.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa subsequently ordered Asekun’s arrest and revoked Richard’s bail over what the court described as conduct capable of undermining the judicial process.
Richard is facing charges including cyberstalking, libel, and defamation in connection with social media posts concerning Dr. Olukoya. He had earlier been remanded in custody pending the hearing of his bail application.Further proceedings in the case are expected to continue before the Federal High Court.
