Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has faulted singer Adekunle Gold over the reported imprisonment of a social media user accused of spreading false claims about the artiste and his family.
The backlash followed reports that the unnamed individual was jailed after allegedly posting false information online concerning Adekunle Gold and his wife, Simi.
Speaking during a recent interview, Sowore criticised the move to take legal action that reportedly resulted in the person receiving a prison sentence of more than two years.
According to him, celebrities and public figures are often subjected to false stories and should avoid using state institutions to harshly punish critics or social media users.
“How dare Adekunle Gold, after getting some little money and fame, send somebody to jail for two years for writing something we all know is not true?” Sowore said.
The activist also recounted an incident where rumours circulated that his wife and children had died in the United States, noting that he only confirmed their safety and ignored the claims afterward.
“Yesterday, people were calling me (to say) that my wife and children had died in the US. I simply called them to confirm they were alive and moved on,” he added.
Sowore further criticised what he described as the increasing abuse of influence and authority by celebrities and influential figures.
“How can you sit down with police and prosecutors to jail someone for two and a half years because of three lines on Twitter? Nigerians complain about oppression until they get small power, then they become worse,” he stated.
The incident has continued to generate reactions online, with some people supporting the right of public figures to pursue legal action over defamation, while others believe prison sentences for online comments are too extreme.
Watch video below;
https://x.com/NewsClickng/status/2056873325075275855?t=2Wo44aI7zJ4DfZpDtqcQ5g&s=19
