A social media personality known as Swanky on X has regained his freedom after serving part of a court sentence for making false claims about the daughter of Nigerian music stars Adekunle Gold and Simi. The release was announced on Monday, June 8, by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore.
Details of the Release
According to Sowore, a concerned individual paid the court-ordered fine that replaced the prison term, leading to Swanky's release and reunion with his family. The case stemmed from a viral post in which Swanky falsely claimed that Adekunle Gold and Simi had lost their daughter, Deja, to Canavan disease, a rare medical condition. The post spread quickly before being deleted, but not before causing significant concern among fans.
Legal Proceedings
The claim was later confirmed false, leading to legal action for cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and spreading malicious information. The Federal High Court in Lagos handled the case, where Swanky was arraigned on charges related to the circulation of false and damaging content. He admitted to making the post during proceedings, contributing to the court's decision. The judgment resulted in a two-year prison sentence, with the option of a fine as an alternative.
Swanky did not serve the full term. Sowore wrote, "A concerned benefactor stepped forward and paid the court-imposed fine in lieu of imprisonment."
Public Reactions
Social media users reacted to the news. @DurojaiyeSegun commented, "He should have stayed there because the Nigeria he left three weeks ago is now even more dangerous than prison confinement." @iam_seeker noted, "I wish he was made a scapegoat, but life had other plans for him. We cannot build an upright society when actions do not have consequences in equal measure. I hope he has learned something."
In related news, Deja sang for her father on his 37th birthday in January. Simi shared a video of the little girl singing a birthday song to him, along with other fun family moments.
