Police arrest Islamic cleric over alleged defamatory publications
Islamic Cleric Arrested in Oyo State for Alleged Defamation
IBADAN, Oyo State — Authorities have arrested Jamiu Adegunwa, an Islamic cleric, on charges related to alleged defamatory statements against Mallam Yusuf Adepoju, President of the Academy of Islamic Propagation (ACADIP).
According to police reports, Adegunwa was apprehended in Ibadan after failing to appear in court at a Federal High Court session in Osogbo, Osun State. He faces accusations of making defamatory publications through his social media platform, Al-Madrasatu Wahabiya, targeting Adepoju, his organization, and family members.
The prosecution claims that these statements, made between July 6, 2021, and the present, resulted in significant reputational damage and personal affront to the complainant.
Prosecuting counsel J. Oyetunji noted that Adegunwa had previously filed a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police and the then Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Zone 11, seeking 500 million Naira in damages. He stated that the court ruled in favor of the police, leading to later orders for Adegunwa’s arrest.
The case, which is ongoing in the Federal High Court in Osogbo under Charge No. FHC/OS/86C/2025, centers on a single charge of alleged defamation. The prosecution asserts that these actions violate Sections 24(1)(a), (b), and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
