Former Choir Member Richards and Blogger Still in Jail One Week After Being Granted Bail in Defamation Case Against MFM’s Olukoya

Gospel artist Ayotunde Richards, formerly of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, and -year-old blogger Adewale Ajimosogbe remain incarcerated on allegations of cyberbullying and defamation, despite being granted by a Federal High Court in Lagos seven days ago.

Both were alleged to have defamed Daniel Olukoya, the MFM General Overseer.

On Wednesday, it was gathered that the pair had yet to fulfill their bail conditions a week after they were set by the court in Lagos.

During a hearing on April 24, Judge Ambrose Allagoa noted that the allegations against them qualified for bail.

Their bail terms require them to provide guarantors who own real estate in Lagos, however, both have still not completed these requirements after a week.

It was earlier reported that Richards' arrest followed a complaint by Davidson Adejuwon.

The lawyer claimed that Richards committed various acts of cyberbullying and made defamatory statements about Olukoya.

Davidson submitted the complaint on behalf of Mrs. Sanni, an assistant to Olukoya who handles his social media.

In the complaint, the lawyer charged Ayotunde Richards with various acts of cyberbullying and publishing defamatory statements about Olukoya.

Similarly, Ajimosogbe was apprehended by the police on charges of cyberbullying and defamation directed at Olukoya.

It was reported that Ajimosogbe, who runs PostReporters, was detained in the Okitipupa area of Ondo State.

It was discovered that Ajimosogbe faced arrest for sharing a an article concerning Richard’s lawsuit for 15.5 billion naira over alleged violations of his human rights by the MFM leader, Davidson Adejuwon, and the Nigerian police.

It was alleged that the blogger included his own headline stating, 'Olukoya is a criminal and responsible for all illegal activities in MFM.'

Richards had also initiated legal proceedings against Olukoya for purportedly violating his fundamental human rights.

Other defendants in the lawsuit include Davidson Olaniran Adejuwon Esq., Superintendent of Police Tawose Ayoleyi Ajayi, and the Nigerian Police Force.

The individuals involved in the case are listed as Olukoya, Davidson, Ajayi, and the Nigerian Police Force, positioned as the first through fourth defendants, respectively.

Richards, who had previously led the cleric’s backup vocalists, claimed that Olukoya had him confined at the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Alagbon, Ikoyi, for eight days.

He labeled his detention as unlawful, oppressive, and a gross misuse of authority.

Attempts to contact Ayotunde Richards’ wife, Sholabomi, were unsuccessful on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, a family member of Ajimosogbe disclosed that he remained behind bars because the bail condition was stringent.

The relative explained, “Currently, Adewale hasn’t satisfied the bail requirement. We face challenges due to the stringent conditions set by the judge, who asked for a guarantor owning property in Lagos.”

“Living in Okitipupa, Ondo State, we have no acquaintances in Lagos. We earnestly appeal to fellow Nigerians for help. We desperately do not want our son to perish in jail,” added the family member.