A 37-year-old woman, Kofoworola Akanji, has been granted bail by a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos Island after being arraigned for allegedly publishing false and defamatory content against Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Lizzy Anjorin on Facebook. Akanji was charged with three counts of conspiracy, publication of fake news, and defamation, preferred against her by the police.
According to the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Haruna Ibrahim, Akanji and several other unnamed bloggers committed the offenses between 2023 and 2025 in Lagos. The defendant allegedly published false statements and rumors about Lizzy Anjorin on Facebook, knowing that such statements were false. Akanji was also accused of using her Facebook page to publicly display images of the actress in a manner likely to provoke public disaffection, with the intention of attracting social media engagement and monetary gain.
Akanji pleaded not guilty to all charges. Her counsel made an oral bail application, arguing that the alleged offenses are bailable under the law. After considering the submissions, Magistrate Wahab Balogun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum, and imposed additional bail conditions. The matter was adjourned to August 21, 2025, for trial.
This case highlights the growing concern about online defamation and the need for social media users to be mindful of the content they publish online. Lizzy Anjorin has been involved in a public feud with fellow actress Iyabo Ojo, who recently warned Anjorin to take responsibility if anything happens to her or her children. The feud between the two actresses has been ongoing, with both parties trading accusations and insults on social media.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for online freedom of expression and the limits of social media usage in Nigeria. As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the court balances the need to protect individuals from defamation with the need to protect freedom of expression online.
