An Osun State-based preacher, Pastor Niyi Peter, was on Thursday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo over the alleged defamation of a gospel music singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi on social media.
Peter is facing a three-count charge, after being accused of posting a picture of the artiste on social media and labeling it a “prostitute song,” sparking outrage among her fans and colleagues.
Appearing before Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara, details of the charges against the pastor read thus: “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 ‘pr0stitute song’ on social media via your WhatsApp number.”
The clergyman was also accused of sending a threatening voice note to Akinnaanu, stating that she “will perish and never rise again.”
The charge further read: “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, on the same date, time, and place, conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely damaging the character of Bunmi Akinnaanu, aka Omije Ojumi.”
The offences are said to contravene sections 373, 88, and 249(D) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.
Peter, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His counsel, Mr. Okobe Najite, urged the court to grant Peter bail.
Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Ayilara admitted Peter to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties, both of whom must be civil servants.
The case was adjourned to October 22, 2024, for further hearing.
Another pastor, Mike Ademisoye Babamojigbare has, however, called on both parties to resolve their conflict amicably.