Niyi Peter, a clergyman in Osun State, was charged on Thursday in an Osogbo Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly using social media to disparage well-known gospel artist Bunmi Akinnaanu, better known by her stage name Omije Ojumi.
Peter, who is accused of three counts, allegedly shared a photo of the artist on social media and called it a “prostitute song,” which infuriated her supporters and coworkers.
“You, Apostle Niyi Peter, male, in the month of April 2024, at about 12:00 pm at Oke-Odo Area, Osogbo, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did defame the character of one Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by posting her picture and tagging it ‘prostitute song’ on social media via your WhatsApp number 08065352473.” The charges were presented before Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara.
Additionally, the clergyman was charged with threatening Akinnaanu via voicemail, claiming that she “will perish and never rise again.”
“On the same date, time, and place, you, Apostle Niyi Peter, conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely damaging the character of Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi,” the charge continued.
According to the Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002, the offenses violate sections 373, 88, and 249(D) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II.
Peter, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel, Mr. Okobe Najite, urged the court to grant him bail.
After considering the bail application, Magistrate Ayilara granted Peter N1 million in bail along with two sureties, who had to be employed by the government.
For additional hearing, the case was postponed until Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
