Mohbad Justice Campaigners Petition Police Over Alleged Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
Justice campaigners advocating for accountability in the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as Mohbad, have raised an alarm and formally petitioned the Nigeria Police Force to investigate alleged cyberbullying and online harassment targeting members of their group. The Coalition of Justice Advocates (CJA), in collaboration with Olori Ebi Platform Worldwide, made this urgent call during a press briefing held in Lagos, where they strongly condemned what they described as acts of defamation and unlawful processing of personal data directed at their members and their families.
Allegations Against Germany-Based TikToker
The groups have accused a Germany-based TikToker, Mrs. Comfort Ilesanmi, popularly known as Comfy, of allegedly orchestrating a sustained campaign of cyberbullying through multiple monetized social media accounts. According to the coalition, these actions began in September 2023, shortly after Mohbad's death, when members were actively campaigning to maintain public attention on the case and seek justice.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Mr. Kayode Adebiyi emphasized that the group has operated within legal boundaries while providing financial, moral, and social support to sustain interest in Mohbad's case. "We, as a group fighting for justice for Mohbad, recognize the responsibility we all share—institutions, professionals, and citizens alike—to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done," he stated.
Details of the Alleged Harassment
Adebiyi detailed that the TikToker, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, has engaged in severe online misconduct, including:
- Manipulating images of coalition members by cropping them into coffins and writing "RIP" on the pictures.
- Circulating these altered images across social media platforms, leading to reputational damage and emotional distress.
- Spreading false claims and alleging assassination plots without evidence, further endangering the safety of members and their families, including minors.
"Our grievances arise from a disturbing pattern of online conduct targeting advocates for justice and their families, including minors," Adebiyi explained. He added that these actions have caused fear for personal safety and inflicted significant emotional harm on affected individuals.
Legal Actions and Police Petition
The coalition has urged the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to take immediate action by:
- Launching a formal investigation into the alleged cyberbullying.
- Preserving digital evidence to support the case.
- Collaborating with international bodies such as Interpol, German authorities, and data protection regulators to ensure justice is served.
"We urge the FCID to open a formal investigation, preserve digital evidence, and collaborate with Interpol, German authorities, and data protection regulators to bring the matter to justice," Adebiyi reiterated.
Legal Representation and Further Steps
Mr. Emmanuel Oroko, the legal representative for the groups, disclosed that a petition has already been submitted to the office of the Inspector-General of Police. He expressed optimism that the police would act promptly once the petition receives necessary approvals. Additionally, Oroko mentioned that further petitions are being prepared for submission to other institutions, including the German Embassy, and relevant legal departments are being notified to address the violations.
According to Oroko, the alleged offences contravene several Nigerian laws, including:
- The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
- Provisions of the Criminal and Penal Codes on defamation.
- The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
- The Child Rights Act.
Personal Accounts from Affected Members
During the briefing, members of Olori Ebi Platform Worldwide shared their harrowing experiences. Mrs. Funmilola Alade recounted how her photograph was allegedly edited into a coffin image with the inscription "RIP". "I joined this cause in September 2023 to seek justice for Mohbad because I am a resident of Ikorodu," she said. "I started receiving calls from different people asking if I was really dead because this woman placed my picture in a coffin, wrote 'RIP' on it, and sang burial songs on her TikTok page."
The campaigners continue to advocate for justice in Mohbad's case while seeking protection from online harassment, emphasizing the need for legal accountability in the digital age.
