The Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, witnessed the arraignment of Dr. Samuel Oyeyemi Agbeleoba on Thursday over charges of impersonation and cyberbullying. The embattled journalist, who serves as Managing Director of Our People’s FM Radio and a lecturer at Ekiti State University, was taken into custody by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) on February 11, 2025.
Dr. Agbeleoba’s arrest stemmed from allegations of cyberbullying and impersonation. His case has drawn significant public attention, partly due to his familial connection to Mrs. Folasade Adebayo. Mrs. Adebayo previously accused the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) of sexual harassment—an allegation that remains unproven.
Thursday’s arraignment marked the second time Dr. Agbeleoba appeared before the court. The case has been adjourned to April 29, 2025, for further hearings.
In response to his arrest, the Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), represented by Chairman Mr. Kayode Babatuyi, called for his immediate and unconditional release. Babatuyi alleged that FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, played a role in orchestrating Agbeleoba’s arrest. However, court proceedings have clarified that the charges against Agbeleoba are specifically linked to allegations of impersonation and cyberbullying.
As the case unfolds, further details may emerge regarding the nature of Agbeleoba’s alleged offenses, including claims that he impersonated security officials and engaged in cyberbullying against FUOYE staff. Reports suggest that he shared false information about FUOYE’s management on social media.
If convicted under Section 484 of the Criminal Code Act for impersonation and Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act for cybercrime, Dr. Agbeleoba could face a three-year jail term and a fine of up to N10,000,000.
