Somto Bisina
In a landmark ruling, Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court has sentenced Okoye Blessing Nwakaego, a Tiktoker, to three years in prison for cyberstalking and defaming veteran actress Eniola Badmus. The conviction came after Nwakaego pleaded guilty to the charges on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
The court found Nwakaego guilty on two counts of cyberstalking, a crime that contravenes sections 24 (1) (b), (2) (a) (c), and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. However, the judge provided her with an alternative to pay a fine of ₦150,000 in lieu of a jail sentence.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe case cantered on Nwakaego’s actions between December 2022 and July 2023 in Lagos, during which she conspired with an individual named Chimabia, who is currently on the run, to defame Eniola Badmus.
The Tiktoker’s video, in which she called the actress a pimp, circulated on social media platforms and caused significant harm to Badmus’ public image.
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Eniola Badmus’ legal team presented evidence of the negative impact caused by the defamatory statements made by Nwakaego. The actress promptly took legal action, leading to Nwakaego’s arrest on July 22, 2023, on charges of defamation.
During her interrogation, Nwakaego revealed that financial desperation drove her to defame the actress. She admitted that Chimabia had promised to pay her ₦200,000 if she agreed to spread false accusations against Badmus. The money was meant to help Nwakaego pay her rent, and this temptation led her to create and publish the defamatory video.
In her statement, Nwakaego expressed remorse, stating, “I’m so sorry. I just did it because of the money. I was so desperate to pay my house rent.”
Cyberstalking and defamation are serious offenses, and this case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences individuals may face for malicious activities online. The court’s decision to impose a significant penalty on Nwakaego sends a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
The ruling also highlights the need for increased awareness about responsible and ethical behaviour on social media platforms. While these platforms offer an avenue for creativity and self-expression, users must exercise caution and refrain fro
