In landmark case, TikToker who called Eniola Badmus ‘prostitute’ bags 3-year jail term

Ego Okoye, the TikTok lady who defamed Eniola Badmus, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment — in the first case of its kind in Nigeria.

Last month, the TikToker alleged that Badmus, the Nollywood actress, ran a prostitution syndicate with a special preference for ladies who had gone under the knife.

During police interrogation, Okoye apologised to the actress, saying a friend offered her N200,000 to defame her.

Badmus, however, rejected the apology, saying they are both heading to court.

On Wednesday, a federal high court in Lagos sentenced Okoye to three years imprisonment with the option of a fine of N150,000.

Nicholas Oweibo, the judge, convicted the TikToker after she pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of cyberstalking.

According to the charge, Okoye and another person (at large) conspired to commit the offence between December 2022 and July 2023 in Lagos.

The offence contravened Sections 24(1)(b)(2)(a)(c) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.

The TikToker was, however, given an option of N150,000 fine in lieu of jail time because of her remorse and plea for mercy.

Badmus, who shared a video from the court on her YouTube page, also addressed the negative comments that have plagued her over time.

“I will like to address an issue that was been plaguing social media platforms and online communities: defamatory comments about me,” she wrote on Instagram.

“When I was a plus size, it was the height of body shaming. Now on my fitness journey, same negative comments. When I made my political choice, same negatives.

“Guys, let people live their lives and respect them for it. Some of us have muscle to keep it going, how about those that can not and silently struggle with depression and low self-esteem?

“We celebrities are human, we have blood running through our veins like you. No one judges your choice or approach to life in your corner, so why judge me on personal and human actions?

“More often than not, I ignore these comments or don’t even bother reading them but sometimes, it hits badly and you truly and really want to set an example.

“I am aware that defamation is a serious matter and can have severe consequences, both legally and socially.

“While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, I think it should be exercised responsibly and with consideration for the potential harm it may cause.”