Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Kosoko, known professionally as Adekunle Gold, is set to initiate legal proceedings against additional social media users following a landmark defamation case. This decision comes after the Federal High Court in Lagos convicted an X user, Adeboye Samuel Adeyeye, with the username @Swanky001, for cyberbullying, cyber threats, and cyber harassment directed at the singer's family.
Court Conviction Details
In a judgment delivered on May 15, 2026, in the case IGP v. Adeboye Samuel Adeyeye (Suit No. FHC/L/236C/26), the court found the defendant guilty on all three counts. The court sentenced him to two years imprisonment on Count 1 under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2024, two years on Count 2 under Section 24(2)(i) of the same Act, and one year on Count 3 under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Background of the Attacks
The conviction followed months of online attacks allegedly carried out by Adeyeye against Adekunle Gold and his family between July 2025 and March 2026, leading to his eventual arrest. One of the most disturbing incidents involved a viral post falsely claiming that the daughter of Adekunle Gold and his wife, Simi, had died. The post quickly gained traction on X, prompting warnings from users who highlighted its potential emotional and security implications. Instead of retracting the claim, the defendant allegedly escalated the situation by repeatedly amplifying the falsehood, benefiting from the massive engagement generated by the controversial post.
Mitigating Factors Considered
In delivering the judgment, the court considered several mitigating factors, including apology letters written by the defendant's parents, his health condition, age, conduct before the court, admission of guilt, and the fact that he was a first-time offender. Despite these factors, the court imposed the sentences to underscore the severity of the crimes.
Public Reaction and Implications
The ruling has sparked widespread conversation across social media, with many Nigerians describing it as a landmark decision in the fight against cyberbullying, misinformation, and defamatory online attacks. Observers say the judgment sends a strong warning to social media users who spread malicious falsehoods under anonymous or faceless accounts, especially when such actions can cause emotional distress or reputational damage.
Legal representatives for Adekunle Gold have stated that the singer and his family chose to pursue justice through lawful means rather than engage in online retaliation, a move that has been praised as mature and exemplary. This development is viewed as one of Nigeria's most prominent cyberbullying convictions involving celebrities and is expected to shape conversations around accountability and responsible social media use in the country.
Further Investigations Underway
Authorities are reportedly still investigating other accounts allegedly linked to defamatory campaigns against the music stars, with indications that more prosecutions may follow if evidence of wrongdoing is established. Speaking on the court's decision, the singer's lawyer, Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, said: "This decision should also serve as notice to any person who continues to publish or amplify defamatory statements against our clients in any form. Investigations into other accounts connected to this campaign are ongoing, and we are confident that due process will take its full course. We commend the Nigeria Police Force for its diligence and professionalism, and the Judiciary for its careful and principled handling of this matter. We also thank the public, fans, and supporters who stood by the family throughout this period."
