Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticised singer Adekunle Gold over the reported imprisonment of a social media user accused of making false claims about the musician and his family.
The controversy followed reports that the unnamed netizen was jailed after allegedly spreading false information online about Adekunle Gold and his wife, Simi.
Reacting during a recent interview, Sowore questioned the decision to pursue legal action that allegedly led to the individual being sentenced to more than two years in prison.
According to him, public figures regularly face false reports and should not use state power to punish critics or online users excessively.
“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 recalled a personal experience where he received false reports claiming his wife and children had died in the United States, saying he simply verified the information and moved on.
“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 condemned what he described as the growing misuse of influence and authority by celebrities and powerful individuals.
“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 development has sparked debate online, with some social media users defending the right of public figures to seek justice against defamation, while others argue that imprisonment over online comments is excessive.
About The Author
