A clergyman from Osun State, Niyi Peter, was arraigned on Thursday before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo, facing allegations of defaming a well-known gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known by her stage name Omije Ojumi, through social media.
Peter was charged with three counts after allegedly posting a picture of Akinnaanu online, labeling it a “pr0stitute song.” This post quickly sparked outrage among her fans and the gospel music community. During the court session, presided over by Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, details from the charge sheet revealed the accusations: “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, male, in the month of April 2024, at about 12:00 p.m. at Oke-Odo Area, Osogbo, within the Osogbo Magisterial District, did defame the character of Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by posting her picture and labeling it ‘prostitute song’ on social media via your WhatsApp account.”
In addition to this defamatory post, Peter was also accused of sending a threatening voice note to the gospel singer, where he allegedly declared that she “will perish and never rise again.”
The court also noted, “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, on the aforementioned date, time, and place, acted in a manner likely to provoke public unrest by falsely tarnishing the reputation of Bunmi Akinnaanu, also known as Omije Ojumi.”
The charges brought against Peter are in violation of sections 373, 88, and 249(D) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Peter pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense attorney, Mr. Okobe Najite, appealed to the court for Peter to be granted bail.
In response to the bail request, Magistrate Ayilara set bail conditions at N1 million and required two sureties, both of whom must be civil servants.
The court adjourned the case to Tuesday, October 22, 2024, for further proceedings.
Meanwhile, another pastor, Mike Ademisoye Babamojigbare, has urged both parties to seek a peaceful resolution to their dispute, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation in such matters.