Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail to United Kingdom-based Nigerian blogger, Maureen Badejo, in the sum of N50 million.
Ms. Badejo is currently facing an 11-count charge including conspiracy, defamation, and cyber-bullying following a petition by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
The legal battle stems from allegations that Ms. Badejo used her YouTube and Facebook platforms to transmit defamatory statements against the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, and one Dickson Osagie.
The prosecution, led by Morufu Animashaun, alleged that the blogger falsely labeled Apostle Suleman as a cultist, rapist, and ritualist.
These offences, brought under the Cybercrimes Act of 2015, carry potential jail terms of up to ten years and significant fines.
"The defendant was also ordered to submit her passports and to sign an undertaking not to engage in any online publication relating to the subject matter before the court," the ruling stated.
While the prosecution opposed bail, labeling Badejo a "flight risk" on the INTERPOL watchlist, the defense counsel, Dr. Yinka Owoeye, successfully argued for her release based on the presumption of innocence.
The court’s conditions require two sureties, including a civil servant on Grade Level 14 and a family member with property in Lagos.
Ms. Badejo will remain in custody until these conditions are met. The case has been adjourned to June 1 for further hearing.
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