….As Ekiti denies complicity in her ordeal

An Ekiti State Magistrate Court has granted bail to an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the 2026 election, Abimbola Jumoke Olawumi, after she pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge brought against her.

Recall that the Chief Executive Officer of Ekiti based agro-allied company, YSJ Limited, Yemisi Joluwe, has disclosed at a media parley on Wednesday, that she filed a petition to the Inspector General of Police, which led to the arrest of Olawunmi, alleging blackmail, harassment and threats to her life.

Olawumi, who appeared before the court on Thursday, denied all the allegations contained in the charges when they were read to her.

The charge sheet reads, “CHARGE I: That you Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi sometimes in the month of March 2026 knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication on social media platform (facebook and tiktok) without any authority posted the photograph and address of one Mrs Yemisi Samuel Joluwe with threatening message, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 398 of Criminal Law of Ekiti state 2021.

“COUNT II: That you Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi in the same place, time and same aforementioned magisterial district did knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication on social media platform (facebook and tiktok) without any authority posted the photograph and address of one Mr Adeleke Ajibade with threatening message, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 398 of Criminal Law of Ekiti state 2021.

“COUNT III: That you Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi in the same place, time and same aforementioned magisterial district did knowingly and intentionally transmitted communication on social media platform (facebook and tiktok) without any authourity posted the photograph and address of one Mrs Okewale Qlayemi with threatening message, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 398 of Criminal Law of Ekiti state 2021.

“COUNT IV: That you Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi in the same place, time and same aforementioned magisterial district did knowingly and intentionally bring false accusation against Mrs Yemisi Samuel Joluwe when you state that, she has embezzle Ekiti state Government money, without any justification for your statement, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 106 of Criminal Law of Ekiti state 2021”.

During the proceedings, the Police Prosecutor, Samson Osobu, informed the court that the prosecution was not opposed to the defendant’s bail application.

Responding to the bail request, counsel to the defendant, A.O. Okunade, urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of his client, describing the charges as bailable offences.

According to him, “They are all bailable offences and this court is empowered to grant these types of prayers. She is a senior citizen of this state and was one of the contestants for the office of the Governor in Ekiti State. We urge the court to grant her bail.”

In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail on self-recognition.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 28, 2026, for further hearing.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government has denied any involvement or complicity in the travails of Olawunmi.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata SAN, made the denial while reacting to news reports linking the government in press statement in Ado Ekiti.

“Following the media news report with respect to the alleged abduction and/or arrest of Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawunmi, the general public is hereby informed through this Disclaimer that the Ekiti State Government is not involved with the allegations.

“The Ekiti State Government categorically denies any involvement in the alleged abduction or Police arrest or detention of Mrs. Abimbola Olajumoke Olawumi, stating clearly that the state had no hand in the matter.

“The Ekiti State Government did not order or know anything about Police action regarding Mrs. Olawumi.

“Ekiti State Government under the current democratic dispensation obeys the rule of law and respects the personal liberty and freedom of all citizens.”