A clergyman from Osun State, Apostle Niyi Peter, appeared in court on Thursday for allegedly defaming gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, through social media. Peter is facing three charges after reportedly sharing a picture of the singer online and referring to her work as a “prostitute song,” sparking outrage among her fans and fellow gospel artists.
During the hearing before Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, the court was informed that Peter posted the defamatory statement on WhatsApp in April 2024, severely damaging Akinnaanu’s reputation.
The charge reads, “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, male, in the month of April 2024, at about 12:00 pm at Oke-Odo Area, Osogbo, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did defame the character of one Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by posting her picture and tagging it ‘prostitute song’ on social media via your WhatsApp number.”
In addition, Peter was accused of sending a threatening voice message to Akinnaanu, saying she “would perish and never rise again.” His actions were also said to have the potential to disturb public peace by spreading false claims about the gospel artist.
The charges violate sections 373, 88, and 249(D) of the Criminal Code, Osun State, 2002. However, Peter denied all the allegations, and his lawyer, Mr. Okobe Najite, applied for bail.
Magistrate Ayilara granted bail at N1 million, with the condition that two sureties, both government employees, must stand for him. The case is set to continue on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
Meanwhile, Pastor Mike Ademisoye Babamojigbare has called on both parties to resolve their dispute amicably.
Kunmi ‘The Super Cat’ is a massage therapist, an entertainment and erotic content writer. She is a pop culture enthusiast!
