Pelumi Olajengbesi, an Abuja-based lawyer representing United Kingdom-based Lagos socialite Dorcas Adeyinka, has criticized the Nigeria Police Force for declaring his client wanted over what he referred to as “phantom allegations.”
In a statement issued on Monday, the lawyer asserted that the allegations against his client are currently being addressed in court, and therefore, it is inappropriate for the police to declare someone wanted when their case is already subject to legal proceedings, especially when there is no risk of flight.
Olajengbesi emphasized that Adeyinka is a law-abiding citizen who was recently honoured with a chieftaincy title over the weekend.
He condemned what he described as an unnecessary media trial initiated by the police, highlighting that such actions are increasingly becoming a trend among security agencies in Nigeria.
“While we acknowledge that this issue originated from a shameful social media dispute involving certain individuals, we are surprised by the extent of attention it has garnered from the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement partly read.
“We wish to clarify that Chief Dorcas Adeyinka is a law-abiding citizen who has never shunned any Police invitation for any reason, particularly in the present allegations as put out by the police.
“Our client has found herself ensnared in a social media altercation initiated by individuals who maliciously circulated her private images online. Seeking recourse, she sought assistance from the police, only to face further harassment and attempts to silence her.
“It is crucial to note that this is not the first instance of our client being unfairly targeted. In December of last year, similar unfounded charges were levied against her, only to be struck out by the court due to lack of evidence.
“Subsequently, not satisfied by the decision of the Court, she was summoned for questioning by the Inspector General of Police’s Monitoring Unit in Abuja, where once again, no substance was found in the allegations. She was granted bail.”
The lawyer claimed that police said Adeyinka would be further questioned, but that didn’t materialise.
“Therefore, the proclamation of her being wanted, especially when her availability was evident, and she was in a public event just yesterday, May 11, 2024, where she was decorated, suggests either a misguidance within the Nigeria Police Force or an unauthorised access to their official channels to make such a derogatory statement. This appears to trivialize the crucial role of the police.
“Despite these challenges, Chief Dorcas Adeyinka remains steadfast in adhering to legal procedures. We have initiated contact with the appropriate channels to arrange a suitable date for her to comply with the investigative process.
“In times like this, the Courts we believe would ultimately uphold justice and fairness for all parties.”
It will be recalled that just last week, the Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, summoned two social media users for “criminal defamation” of a socialite, Dorcas Adeyinka.
In the court summons dated May 9, 2024, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered the two defendants — Tolulope Adeoye aka Abike Jagaban and Tolulope Odegbami aka Olowosibi — to appear in person before the court on June 4, 2024, to answer the charges levelled against them by the complainant.
In the criminal complaint filed by Olajengbesi of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, the complainant accused the defendants of sharing her nude photo on social media and ridiculed her.
“On the 5th of March 2022, Abike Jagaban shared the complainant’s nude pictures on Youtube, directing her followers to different online platforms where the complainant’s pictures were/are shared and ridiculed the complainant in the process.
“The video is captioned: ‘Abike Jagaban on Dorcas Adeyinka, aka TMS Blog’. These actions have exposed the complainant to contempt, hatred, and detestation as some people can be seen making disparaging remarks against the person of the complainant in the comment section of the above referenced post. Abike Jagaban has also bullied the complainant in another video titled, ‘How Abike Jagaban Bully Dorcas Adeyinka’
“The defendants have also circulated publications on social media, alleging that the complainant is responsible for the death of an individual named Folusho Asimiyu, also known as ‘Iya Ibeji’, whom the complainant had previously supported financially through her non-governmental organisation.
“These allegations have been made without any evidence or connection linking the complainant to the demise of Folunsho Asimiyu,” the complaint partly read.
The complainant said the alleged actions of the defendants constituted criminal defamation and contravened Sections 391 of the Penal Code.
He had adjourned the matter to June 4, 2024, and ordered that the two defendants be present in court on the said date.
