Osun pastor arraigned for calling gospel artiste prostitute

A clergyman in Osun State, Niyi Peter, was arraigned on Thursday before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo for allegedly defaming popular gospel artiste, Bunmi Akinnaanu, also known by her stage name Omije Ojumi, via social media.

Peter, facing a three-count charge, allegedly posted a picture of the artiste on social media and labeled it “prostitute song,” sparking outrage among her fans and colleagues.

Appearing before Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, details from the charge sheet read that, “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, male, in the month of April 2024, at about 12:00 pm at Oke-Odo Area, Osogbo, in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did defame the character of one Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by posting her picture and tagging it ‘prostitute song’ on social media via your WhatsApp number 08065352473.”

The clergyman was also accused of sending a threatening voice note to Akinnaanu, stating that she “will perish and never rise again.”

The charge further read, “You, Apostle Niyi Peter, on the same date, time, and place, conducted yourself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by falsely damaging the character of Bunmi Akinnaanu, a.k.a. Omije Ojumi.”

The offences are said to contravene sections 373, 88, and 249(D) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

Peter, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel, Mr. Okobe Najite, urged the court to grant him bail.

Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Ayilara admitted Peter to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties, both of whom must be civil servants.

The case was adjourned until Tuesday, October 22, 2024, for further hearing.