The Federal High Court situated in Lagos has rescinded the bail previously extended to Ayotunde Richards, a gospel artist and former member of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), while also mandating the arrest of blogger Funke Ashekun for her posts on social media that distort court proceedings.
The ruling was delivered by Judge Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on Wednesday during the ongoing criminal trial of Richards, who faces 12 charges, including conspiracy, cyberbullying, and defamation brought forth by the Nigerian police.
Prosecutor Nosa Uhumwangho informed the court that Richards made several posts on the social media platform Moment of Truth from December 2023 to February 2024, which allegedly defamed MFM General Overseer Daniel Olukoya.
It was claimed that Richards disparaged the cleric, labeling him “a powerless clergy who depends on Ayoleyi Tawose to confront his supposed enemies.”
Richards purportedly referred to Olukoya as the “Police Pastor” affiliated with “Mountain of Police and Alagbon Ministries.”
The prosecutor further noted that Richards accused Olukoya of deceiving his former pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God to force his expulsion from the church.
These allegations were said to be in violation of Sections 27 and 24(1)(b)(2)(a)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Although Richards pleaded not guilty and was initially granted bail, the prosecutor revealed to the court that Ashekun posted information about the case, tagging Richards and misrepresenting the proceedings.
In one of her posts titled “The judge delivered a strong message to Olukoya in court today,” she claimed the judge displayed disappointment regarding the case, questioning why Olukoya could not utilize his spiritual authority to resolve the issue.
Defence attorney Ademola Adewale urged the court not to hold Richards accountable for Ashekun's posts.
However, Judge Lewis-Allagoa dismissed this defense, stating that Richards had admitted in his affidavit that the posts misrepresented the court dynamics and confirmed he had been tagged in them.
As a result, the judge revoked Richards' bail until Ashekun is detained and brought before the court, or she retracts her posts and offers an apology.
The case has been adjourned until April 29 for further proceedings.
The dispute originated in March 2024 when Richards and blogger Adewale Ajimisogbe, who runs PostReporters, were arraigned on various charges including conspiracy, cyberbullying, libel, and defamation.
These charges stemmed from a purported campaign targeting Olukoya between December 2023 and February 2024.
Richards previously filed a lawsuit alleging violation of his fundamental human rights during his detention by the church and the police. Meanwhile, Ajimisogbe later admitted guilt via his attorney, Ife Ajayi, offering a public apology, retracting statements, and forfeiting N50,000 as part of a plea bargain.
The court accepted this plea, recognizing him as a first-time offender while Richards' case continues separately.
Richards had spent about a week in custody facing allegations of conspiracy to commit a felony and cyberstalking.
Three weeks prior to June 6, 2024, the trial court temporarily released him to a lawyer after an initial arraignment was delayed, instructing him to return for formal proceedings. Upon his return, the court required his remand in prison pending a bail application, as he allegedly continued to mention the complainant on social media amid ongoing legal actions.
Eventually, Richards was granted bail, with the judge sternly cautioning him against future violations.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!