A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted an X user identified as Adeyeye for cyberbullying, cyber-threats and online harassment targeted at Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold and his family.

The conviction followed a viral post in which the defendant falsely claimed that the singer’s daughter, Deja, had died, triggering widespread outrage and panic on social media.

According to court proceedings, the post read, “My sincere condolences to the Adekunle family. RIP to Deja,” prompting several users to demand its removal.

Prosecutors told the court that instead of deleting the post, Adeyeye allegedly intensified the harassment, reportedly motivated by the engagement and monetisation generated from the viral content.

The court heard that between July 2025 and March 2026, the defendant repeatedly shared offensive and defamatory content about the family, including allegations questioning the paternity of the couple’s daughter and manipulated images targeting singer Simi.

Adeyeye was arrested and arraigned on May 14, where he pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him.

The court subsequently sentenced him to two years imprisonment each on two counts under the Cybercrimes Act 2024 and an additional one-year jail term under the Criminal Code Act. The sentences are to run concurrently, with an option of a ₦1 million fine.

The court also issued a permanent restraining order preventing the convict from engaging in further actions capable of threatening the peace, safety or reputation of the complainants.

Reacting to the judgment, Adekunle Gold’s lawyer, Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, welcomed the ruling, while the singer was reported to be considering further legal action.

However, the judgment has generated debate among rights advocates. Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticised the involvement of the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as an abuse of state power in favour of celebrities and influential individuals.

The case has renewed public discussions on online accountability, freedom of expression and the growing use of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act in regulating social media conduct.