A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered that TikTokers Saheed Osama and Uyime Udoekwere be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The decision, delivered earlier today, stems from accusations that the duo made defamatory statements against Omowunmi Aloba, the widow of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Mohbad, a rising Nigerian Afrobeat star, passed away on September 12, 2023, at the age of 27. His sudden death triggered a wave of speculation and public outcry. The #Justice4MohBad movement emerged, with fans and activists demanding answers about the circumstances surrounding his demise.
Reports indicate that Mohbad was treated at home by a nurse before being rushed to Perez Medcare Hospital, where he was declared brought in dead (BID). An auxiliary nurse involved in his treatment was later arrested.
Omowunmi Aloba, Mohbad’s widow, has been at the centre of public scrutiny. Allegations and rumours about her involvement in her husband’s death have circulated widely, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and X. These claims have not been substantiated by official investigations, but they have fuelled a heated online debate.
The alleged libel against the TikTokers
The court case against Saheed Osama and Uyime Udoekwere centres on statements deemed defamatory. According to reports, the duo allegedly carried placards with the inscription “Wunmi Killed Mohbad” during a public demonstration. This act is said to have damaged Omowunmi Aloba’s reputation. The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Kala, ruled that the defendants must remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, individuals can face imprisonment for defamatory statements that harm another person’s character. Section 392 of the Penal Code Law also allows for penalties, including up to two years in prison or a fine, or both. The remand reflects the seriousness with which the court is treating the allegations.
The hearing took place this morning at the Federal High Court in Lagos. Prosecutors argued that the defendants’ actions violated Omowunmi Aloba’s right to privacy and caused her emotional distress. The defence has yet to present its case, but legal experts suggest the accused may argue their statements were expressions of free speech or part of a broader call for justice.
Justice Kala emphasised the need to balance freedom of expression with the protection of individuals’ reputations. The case has been adjourned, with the next hearing date yet to be announced. Until then, Saheed Osama and Uyime Udoekwere will remain at Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
Defamation, whether libel (written) or slander (spoken), is a serious offence in Nigeria. The country’s legal framework allows individuals to seek redress if their reputation is harmed by false statements. With the rise of social media, cases involving online defamation have increased. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 provides additional tools to address online harassment and libel, often leading to arrests and prosecutions.
This case highlights the growing tension between social media freedom and legal accountability in Nigeria. The Cybercrimes Act has been criticised for its potential to stifle free speech, with some voicing concerns that it could lead to a wave of lawsuits.
For Omowunmi Aloba, the remand offers temporary relief from online attacks. However, it does little to address the underlying questions about Mohbad’s death. The ongoing revelations from VeryDarkMan on the singer’s passing have reawakened interest in the case.
For now, the focus remains on the legal process. Both the defendants and Omowunmi Aloba await the trial and the court’s final ruling. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for social media accountability in Nigeria.
