Apostle Niyi Peter, a clergyman from Osun State, was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo on Thursday. He faced a three-count charge for allegedly defaming popular gospel artiste Bunmi Akinnaanu, also known as Omije Ojumi, on social media.
According to the charge sheet, Peter posted Akinnaanu’s picture and labeled it a “prostitute song” on WhatsApp, sparking outrage among her fans and colleagues. Additionally, he sent a threatening voice note stating, “You will perish and never rise again.”
The charges read: “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.”
Peter also conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely damaging Akinnaanu’s character. These offences contravene sections 373, 88, and 249(D) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.
Peter pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel, Mr. Okobe Najite, urged the court to grant him bail. Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara admitted Peter to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties, both civil servants. The case was adjourned until October 22, 2024.
