In a dramatic development at the Federal High Court in Lagos on March 6, 2026, UK-based blogger Maureen Badejo was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and defamation.
Following the arraignment, the court revoked the bail earlier granted to her by a lower court and ordered her immediate remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The charges were filed after a petition by Apostle Johnson Suleiman of Omega Fire Ministries, alleging that Badejo had engaged in a sustained online campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of certain religious leaders through what the prosecution described as false and inflammatory publications.
Allegations of Malicious Publications
According to the charge sheet dated February 25, 2026, the defendant, alongside others still at large, allegedly disseminated defamatory content through podcasts aired on her GIO TV Media platform using a Facebook account.
Prosecutors told the court that the publications targeted Pastor Ajose Sola, a regional pastor of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Igando, Lagos, with allegations capable of inciting public disorder.
In the first count, Badejo was accused of publishing a podcast claiming the cleric was involved in “diabolical practices,” including allegedly making sacrifices and engaging one Sunday Oyelakin to carry out spiritual activities on his behalf.
The second count alleged that she published another podcast claiming the pastor was having an illicit affair with the wife of a pastor from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) who resides in the same estate. Prosecutors argued that the statement was knowingly false and intended to provoke public outrage.
The third count contained more sensational claims, alleging that the pastor “buried a live cow and ram behind his compound for satanic purposes” and used charms to manipulate church members. The publication also reportedly described the cleric as a traditional priest who controlled the congregation through diabolical means.
In the fourth count, Badejo was accused of posting content questioning why the pastor allegedly performed rituals and used “black medicine” while selling “manna water” to church members, thereby ridiculing the church’s spiritual practices.
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Police prosecutors argued that the publications suggested the cleric relied on ritual practices rather than genuine religious teachings.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences violate Section 24(1)(b) and are punishable under Section 24(2)(ii) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended in 2024. The law criminalises the intentional dissemination of false information capable of causing a breakdown of law and order or posing a threat to life.
After taking her plea, Justice Aluko ordered that Badejo be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until March 16, 2026, for further hearing.
Previous Legal Battles
Badejo’s current legal troubles add to a series of court cases she has faced in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
In January 2026, the UK High Court of Appeal upheld earlier judgments ordering her to pay £100,000 in damages to Dr. Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, and his wife, Folashade, after she lost a defamation suit filed against her.
The court had earlier ordered her in April 2021 to pay £65,000 to Olukoya and £35,000 to his wife over defamatory publications.
In addition to the damages, the UK court directed Badejo to retract the statements and publish a summary of the judgment on her social media platforms for 10 consecutive days.
Justice Lavender of the Queen’s Bench Division described her proposed grounds of appeal as “both hopeless and pointless,” ruling that her application was “totally without merit.” The court held that her online publications about the cleric and his wife were false and defamatory.
Similarly, in Nigeria, an Ogun State High Court had earlier ordered Badejo to pay ₦500 million in damages to MFM and Dr. Olukoya over defamatory statements, describing her actions as reckless misuse of the internet and social media.
A Cautionary Tale
The ongoing case involving Maureen Badejo has drawn attention to the responsibilities that accompany the use of digital media platforms. Legal observers note that the matter underscores the potential legal consequences of publishing unverified or defamatory content online.
The case has been adjourned to March 16, 2026, when proceedings will resume at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
