A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted an X user, Adeyeye, for cyberbullying, cyber-threats and online harassment directed at Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold and his family, in what observers describe as one of Nigeria’s most prominent cyberbullying convictions involving a public figure.
The case stemmed from a viral post shared on X in which Adeyeye falsely claimed that the daughter of Adekunle Gold and Simi, Deja, had died.
“My sincere condolences to the Adekunle family. RIP to Deja,” the post read, sparking panic and outrage online before users demanded its removal.
Rather than deleting the post, prosecutors said the defendant escalated the harassment, allegedly driven by the engagement and monetisation benefits generated by the viral content.
The court heard that Adeyeye repeatedly posted offensive and defamatory claims about the family between July 2025 and March 2026, including allegations questioning the paternity of the couple’s daughter and manipulated images targeting Simi.
Following his arrest and arraignment on May 14, Adeyeye pleaded guilty to the charges.
The court sentenced him to two years imprisonment each on two counts under the Cybercrimes Act 2024 and an additional one-year jail term under the Criminal Code Act, with all sentences to run concurrently. He was also given the option of a ₦1 million fine.
In addition, the court issued a permanent restraining order barring him from further actions capable of threatening the peace, safety or reputation of the complainants.
Reacting to the judgment, Adekunle Gold’s lawyer, Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, welcomed the ruling, while the singer has reportedly indicated plans for further legal action.
The case, however, sparked debate among rights advocates. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticised the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as an abuse of state power in favour of celebrities and influential individuals.
The conviction has reignited public discussion around online accountability, freedom of expression and the increasing application of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act to social media conduct.
