A controversial Islamic cleric, Jamiu Adegunwa, has been arrested by the police over alleged defamatory publications targeting the President of the Association for the Correction and Reformation of the Depraved (ACADIP), Mallam Yusuf Adepoju.
Adegunwa was reportedly apprehended in Oyo State after allegedly evading arrest for an extended period and failing to appear before a Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State.
The cleric is accused of making a series of defamatory publications against Adepoju between July 6, 2021, and the present time. The publications were alleged to have caused injury to the reputation and character of the ACADIP president, as well as members of his family, while allegedly inciting hatred, enmity and public ridicule.
According to the prosecution counsel, Mr J. Oyetunji, Adegunwa allegedly used his social media platform, Al-Madrasatu Wahabiya, to publish defamatory content against Adepoju, his organisation and members of his family.
Oyetunji further disclosed that in 2022, the cleric instituted a suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos against the Inspector-General of Police and the then Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, seeking N500 million in damages.
According to the prosecution, the case was eventually decided in favour of the police, after which court orders were issued directing the arrest of the defendant.
The matter is currently before the Federal High Court, Osogbo, in Charge No. FHC/OS/86C/2025, where Adegunwa is facing a one-count charge bordering on alleged defamatory publications.
The court had earlier ordered his arrest following his alleged failure to comply with its directives and appear for trial.
The prosecution maintained that the alleged offence contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) and (b) and 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The case has been adjourned, and proceedings are expected to continue on June 15, 2025, in line with the court’s schedule.
