An Islamic cleric, Jamiu Adegunwa, has been arrested by Oyo State Police over allegations of defamatory publications against Mallam Yusuf Adepoju, President of the Academy of Islamic Propagation (ACADIP). The arrest took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, after Adegunwa failed to appear before the Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State. The case, which has drawn attention to the intersection of religious discourse and cyber law, is now before the court under Charge No. FHC/OS/86C/2025.
Adegunwa is accused of making defamatory statements through his social media platform, Al-Madrasatu Wahabiya, from July 6, 2021, to the present. The prosecution claims these publications have caused injury, insult, hatred, enmity, and reputational damage to Adepoju, his organisation, and his family members. The allegations are grounded in Section 24(1)(a) and (b), as well as Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalises online defamation and related offences.
Prosecuting counsel, Mr. J. Oyetunji, highlighted that Adegunwa had previously filed a lawsuit against the Inspector-General of Police and the then Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Zone 11 at the Federal High Court in Lagos. In that case, Adegunwa had sought N500 million in damages. However, the court ruled in favour of the Police, and subsequent court orders mandated Adegunwa’s arrest for non-compliance with court processes.
The Federal High Court in Osogbo is currently handling the one-count charge against Adegunwa, which centres on the alleged online defamations. The prosecution maintains that the cleric’s social media activities constitute a clear violation of cybercrime laws designed to protect individuals and institutions from malicious digital attacks. The case has sparked discussions about freedom of expression, religious leadership, and accountability in digital spaces.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case remains under close watch by religious groups, legal experts, and civil society organisations. The outcome may set a precedent for how online speech by religious figures is regulated in Nigeria. The arrest underscores the growing enforcement of cybercrime laws in cases involving public figures and religious institutions.
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