A blogger, Adewale Ajimisogbe, has been fined and set free after tendering an apology in defamatory claims against Dr. D.K. Olukoya, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).
In a dramatic turn at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, the blogger escaped serving prison terms after entering a plea bargain agreement with prosecutors for spearheading the defamatory claims against the popular cleric.
The blogger, the first defendant in a criminal case FHC/L/168C/2024, struck a deal to avoid a potentially harsh prison sentence.
In exchange, Ajimisogbe issued a public apology, published a formal retraction, and agreed to forfeit ₦50,000 to the state — a light punishment compared to the full weight of the Cyber Crime Act penalties he initially faced.
The controversy dates back to February 2024 when Ayotunde Richards, a former MFM member and singer (the second defendant in the case) launched a barrage of defamatory publications against Dr. Olukoya on the social media.
Accusations by Richards, widely circulated with the help of some bloggers, including Ajimisogbe, included sensational claims and a ₦15.5 billion lawsuit for alleged fundamental rights breaches.
Ajimisogbe, in one of the viral headlines on his platform, branded Dr. Olukoya as a criminal, escalating tensions within the MFM Community and prompting swift legal action.
Alarmed by the spread of what it described as “unabated lies,” Dr. Olukoya’s team filed a formal criminal complaint.
Facing the reality of trial and a strong prosecution case, the blogger opted to plead for leniency.
As contained in a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court order, dated April 11, 2025, Ajimisogbe showed genuine remorse, apologised publicly to Dr. Olukoya — whom he referred to as “like a father” — and promised to refrain from future defamatory actions.
With his fine paid and apology accepted, the blogger has been freed free from all charges, after having officially clearing his name from the court’s proceedings.
However, the second defendant, Ayotunde Richards, is still standing trial as his case has been adjourned to 3 June 3, 2025.
As noted by many observers, the case underscored a growing trend in Nigeria’s legal system, utilising plea bargains to expedite cybercrime and defamation proceedings.
On the other hand, plea bargains offered offenders a second chance through restitution and public acknowledgment of wrongdoings.
•Source: saharaweeklyng.com
