A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted an X user for cyberbullying, cyber-threats and online harassment targeting singer Adekunle Gold and his family.
The case centres on a viral post shared on X in July 2025 in which the defendant, identified as Adeyeye, falsely claimed that Deja, the daughter of Adekunle Gold and singer Simi, had died.
"My sincere condolences to the Adekunle family. RIP to Deja," the post read. It sparked panic online before users called for it to be taken down.
Prosecutors told the court that instead of deleting the post, Adeyeye escalated the harassment.
The court heard he continued to post offensive and defamatory claims about the family between July 2025 and March 2026, including allegations about the paternity of the couple’s daughter and manipulated images of Simi.
Adeyeye, who was arrested and arraigned on 14 May, pleaded guilty to the charges.
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The judge sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on each of two counts under the Cybercrimes Act 2024, and one year under the Criminal Code Act.
The sentences are to run concurrently, and he was also given the option of a N1 million fine.
Furthermore, the court issued a permanent restraining order barring him from any further actions capable of threatening the peace, safety or reputation of the complainants.
Adekunle Gold’s lawyer, Oyinkansola Fawehinmi welcomed the ruling, however, the singer has reportedly indicated plans for further legal action.
Notably, the case drew mixed reactions earlier as Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticised the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Sowore described NPF's involvement as an abuse of state power in favour of celebrities and influential individuals.
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