A TikTok user, Nwakaego Okoye, has been sentenced to three years in jail for defaming Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus.
The Federal High Court in Lagos State delivered the verdict on Wednesday, April 3, following Okoye’s admission of guilt.
Okoye’s confession revealed a troubling trend of online manipulation, as she admitted to tarnishing Badmus’s reputation in exchange for financial gain.
She confessed to having defamed actress Eníola Badmus because a friend, Fortune Ibe, promised to pay her N200,000 to do so.
However, amidst the legal proceedings, Justice Oweibo displayed leniency by offering Okoye an alternative to incarceration with a fine of N150,000.
During investigation it was learnt that Nwakaego and one Chimabia who is now at large were jointly charged for the offense.
The actress has been a victim of body shaming on several occasions, notably in 2023 when she came out to criticize people who engage in cyberbullying of celebrities.
“I will like to address an issue that has been plaguing social media platforms and online communities: defamatory statements about me,” Badmus said.
“How do you wake up, go on social media and pull people down by making false/negative comments about them and still expect mercy from God? This is someone you do not even know! Common!
“You have no single fact/evidence but will sit behind your phones and make a smooth video defaming my personality. Why?”
Arguing that Celebrities are humans too, Eniola Badmus, cited instances that she has been a victim of Cyber bullying.
“When I was a plus size, it was the height of body shaming, now on my fitness journey, same negative comments, when I made my political choice, same negatives. Guys, let people live their lives and respect them for it.
“Some of us have muscle to keep it going, how about those that can’t and silently struggle with depression and low self-esteem?
“We celebrities are human, we have blood running through our veins like you. No one judges your choice or approach to life in your corner, so why judge me on personal and human actions?
“More often than not, I ignore these comments or don’t even bother reading them but sometimes, it hits badly and you truly and really want to set an example.
“I am aware that defamation is a serious matter and can have severe consequences, both legally and socially. It is essential to recognize the impact of our words on others and the responsibilities that come with expressing our opinions publicly.
“While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, I think it should be exercised responsibly and with consideration for the potential harm it may cause. Above all let’s spread love.”
