An Osun State-based cleric, Apostle Niyi Peter, was brought before a Chief Magistrate Court in Osogbo on Thursday for allegedly defaming a gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu, by calling her a prostitute on social media.
The cleric is accused of posting a picture of the gospel singer, also known as “Omije Ojumi,” on a WhatsApp platform and attaching an abusive song to it. This act is considered a violation of Section 373 of the Osun State Criminal Law of 2002.
According to the police charge sheet, Apostle Niyi Peter also sent a WhatsApp voice note to the singer, threatening that she would “perish” and “never rise again.” This threat, as stated, is punishable under Section 88 (a) of the Criminal Code of Osun State.
The charge further added that the cleric’s behavior was likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely damaging Bunmi Akinnaanu’s character. This action falls under Section 249(D) of the criminal code.
The prosecutor, ASP Akitunde Jacob, said the incident took place in April 2024 at Oke-Odo Area in Osogbo.
Apostle Niyi Peter pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer, Najite Okobe, requested bail on his behalf, asking the court for leniency.
Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara granted the cleric bail, setting the amount at N1 million with two sureties of the same sum. The case has been adjourned to October 22, 2024, for further hearing.
