A 37-year-old woman, Kofoworola Akanji, was on Wednesday granted bail by the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, following allegations that she published defamatory content about Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Lizzy Anjorin on Facebook.
She was arraigned before Magistrate Wahab Balogun by officers from the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, spreading fake news, and defamation.
According to the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Haruna Ibrahim, Akanji allegedly conspired with unnamed bloggers to commit the offences in Lagos between 2023 and 2025.
The court heard that the defendant used her Facebook account to share posts and images of the actress in a way meant to provoke negative public opinion. She was further accused of distributing inappropriate content in a bid to increase engagement on social media and gain financially.
ASP Ibrahim stated that the alleged acts were in violation of Sections 39, 57, and 150 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, and are punishable under the same legislation.
Akanji pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against her. While the prosecution sought her remand in custody, her counsel made an oral bail application, arguing that the offences were bailable under the law.
After reviewing both arguments, Magistrate Balogun granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦100,000, with two sureties in the same amount and additional conditions.
The court adjourned the matter to August 21, 2025, for trial to commence.
