Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo Sues Social Crusader Owolemi for Alleged Cyberstalking

…Civil Society Group Knocks Action

Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, has dragged a social crusader, Emorioloye Owolemi, before the Akure division of the Federal High Court, for allegedly cyberstalking.

In the two count charge marked: FHC/AK/3C/26, the defendant is being accused of intentionally making offensive statement against the minister via his Facebook page.

The alleged offence is said to be contrary to Section 24(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibtion, Prevention, etc.) Act as amended, 2024 and punishable under the same Act.

Count one reads, “That you, EMORIOLOYE OWOLEMI, Male, Adult, on or about the 23rd day of December 2025, at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly and intentionally
sent messages and/or other electronic communications through a computer system and/or network to the public via Facebook, against the Honourable Minister of interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo, whose messages were grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing in
character, thereby committing the offence of cyberstalking.”

Count two borders around Cyberstalking by threat and harassment an offence said to be contrary to Section 24(1)(b)
of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended, 2024 and punishable under the same Act.

It reads: That you, EMORIOLOYE OWOLEMI, Male, Adult, on or about the 23rd day of December 2025, at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly and intentionally sent electronic messages through a computer system to the public via Faccbook.

While hearing has been fixed for March 26, If convicted, Owolemi faces penalties under the Cybercrimes Act, including imprisonment or fines.

The case is happening amid controversy surrounding Tunji-Ojo’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, with allegations of forgery and abuse of power.

Meanwhile, a civil society group, Concerned Citizens Leadership Integrity and Transparency Advocacy Initiative (CLITA), has condemned Tunji-Ojo’s court action, saying Nigeria is a democratic society, constructive criticism is allowed.

“What this step by Olubumi Tunji-Ojo has shown is that he’s not learning anything from President Bola Tinubu who have accepted constructive criticism as part of recipe for good governance,” it said.

“Issues has been raised about the minister’s credentials, the responsible cause of action should have been the minister explaining himself or trying to exonerate himself. Instead of towing this civil procedure, the minister has resorted to intimidating dissenting voices by the illegal use of state apparatus, the Executive Director, Concerned Citizens Leadership Integrity and Transparency Advocacy Initiative (CLITA) said in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.