The judgment, delivered on May 15, 2026, in the case involving the Inspector General of Police against Adeyeye, has drawn major attention across the country, with many describing it as one of the biggest legal decisions involving online harassment and celebrity defamation in Nigeria.
According to details presented before the court, the issue began in July 2025 after the defendant allegedly made a false post on X claiming that the daughter of Adekunle Gold and his wife, Simi, had died.
The post quickly sparked outrage online, with several social media users reportedly urging him to delete it because of the emotional and security concerns surrounding the child and her family. Despite the backlash, the defendant allegedly refused to take down the post.
The prosecution further told the court that the online attacks and harassment continued for several months before security operatives eventually tracked down and arrested the suspect in March 2026.
During proceedings, the defence team appealed for mercy, pointing to the defendant’s young age, health challenges and the fact that he had no previous criminal record. The court was also informed that his parents submitted apology letters on his behalf, while the defendant admitted guilt during the trial.
Presiding judge, Muhammed Sani, sentenced Adeyeye to prison terms across the three charges filed against him. The court, however, ruled that the sentences would run concurrently.
The judge also provided the option of a one million naira fine and issued a permanent restraining order barring the defendant from carrying out any future actions capable of disturbing or damaging the reputation of the complainants.
The ruling has since generated widespread reactions from legal experts, entertainment stakeholders and digital rights advocates, many of whom described it as a strong warning against fake news, cyberbullying and online intimidation.
Observers also praised Adekunle Gold and his legal team for choosing the legal route instead of engaging in public exchanges online, noting that the outcome reflects growing confidence in the country’s cybercrime laws.
Security agencies have meanwhile disclosed that investigations are still ongoing, as authorities continue monitoring other social media accounts allegedly linked to smear campaigns targeting the singer and his family. Officials warned that anyone found connected to such activities could also face prosecution under the law.
