A Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, has convicted blogger Adewale Ajimisogbe of cyberbullying and libeling Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM). The conviction followed Ajimisogbe's change of plea to guilty after reaching a plea bargain agreement with the police.

Ajimisogbe and former MFM member Ayotunde Richards were initially arraigned on March 20, 2024, facing a 12-count charge that included conspiracy, cyberbullying, and libel. Ajimisogbe faced nine additional counts of libel independently from the joint charges. Police prosecutor Nosa Uhumwangho stated that the offenses occurred between December 2023 and February 2024.

The prosecution detailed that Ajimisogbe, through his platform “Postreporters,” published a report titled: “He is a criminal and behind all illegal acts – Ex-MFM Church singer sues founder Daniel Olukoya and others, seeks N15.5 billion in damages for illegal detention and breach of human rights.” This publication was deemed a breach of Sections 27 and 24(1)(b)(2)(a)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

Initially, both defendants pleaded not guilty. However, Ajimisogbe later opted for a plea deal, agreeing to publish a formal apology and retraction and to forfeit N50,000 to the Federal Government. His lawyer, Ife Ajayi, requested leniency, highlighting that Ajimisogbe was a first-time offender with no criminal record. The plea bargain terms were unopposed by the police, the counsel for the second defendant, Ademola Adewale, and the lawyer representing the nominal complainant, A. Adegboye.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa, in his ruling, stated, “After careful consideration of the application and the submissions from counsel, the plea bargain agreement is hereby granted. The first defendant is to forfeit N50,000 to the state.” The court adjourned the hearing to June 3, 2025, for the trial of the second defendant.