In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigerian judiciary delivered a decisive verdict on the high-profile cyberstalking case involving veteran actress Eniola Badmus.
Okoye Blessing Nwakaego, a Tiktoker, found herself at the center of a legal storm after she defamed the actress, hurling hurtful accusations of pimping.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Take A Peek Into Kanayo O Kanayo’s History
The outcome of this case highlights the grave consequences of cyberstalking and the importance of safeguarding one’s reputation in the digital age.
Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court took a stern stance on cybercrimes as he handed down the verdict on August 2, 2023.
Nwakaego was found guilty on two counts of cyberstalking, a violation of sections 24 [1] [b], {2} {a} {c}, and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. Despite pleading guilty to the charges, she still had an opportunity to avoid imprisonment by paying a fine of ₦150,000.
The events leading up to this landmark verdict began in December 2022 when Nwakaego, along with an accomplice named Chimabia, allegedly conspired to defame Eniola Badmus.
The actress was left distraught after a video circulated on social media, accusing her of pimping. The malicious content persisted for several days, inflicting significant damage to her public image.
Fueled by the desire to restore her tarnished reputation, Eniola Badmus took matters into her own hands and had the Tiktoker arrested on July 22, 2023, under charges of defamation. However, Chimabia managed to evade authorities and is now on the run.
During police questioning, Nwakaego made shocking revelations. She admitted to fabricating the defamatory statements against Eniola Badmus, motivated by financial desperation.
The Tiktoker confessed that a friend had promised her ₦200,000 in exchange for defaming the actress. This offer, which aimed to help her pay her overdue rent, became the catalyst for her harmful video.
In her own words, Nwakaego stated, “So, one of my friends said if I should come out and talk about Miss Eniola Badmus that he was going to send me N200,000 because I told him about my rent.
So that was what prompted the video in the first place. So I’m so sorry. I just did it because of the money. I was so desperate to pay my house rent.”
Despite her apology and confession, the damage had already been done. Eniola Badmus endured a distressing ordeal as her name was sullied across social media platforms.
Cyberstalking, an increasingly prevalent form of harassment, poses a serious threat to personal and professional lives, as demonstrated by this case.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: BBNaija All Stars: Cross Talks About Disadvantages Being A Man
As the sentencing unfolds, public attention remains riveted on the unfolding drama. The actress, still recovering from the impact of the defamatory attack, has yet to issue a statement on the verdict.
Many await her response, eager to see how justice has been served and how she plans to move forward from this tumultuous chapter.
