By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Adefela Adeigbe, the blogger behind ‘Eko Mi Eko E’, found himself in legal trouble after being arrested on Saturday, August 10, 2024, for allegedly spreading misinformation about the popular product Cocosamba.
He was granted bail from police custody and voluntarily reported to the Ibafo Police Station on Monday, August 12, 2024. Subsequently, he was taken to the Ogun State Magistrate Court to face charges of defamation under Charge No. MO/577C/2024.
The controversy stemmed from a post on ‘Eko Mi Eko E’ where he published unverified reports with the caption: “Cocosamba Sexual Stimulant Can Kill”. The claims were not verified by any credible source or regulatory authority.
So, he was in court to prove that Cocosamba could be harmful by presenting evidence from the laboratory where he conducted tests. Additionally, to also bring forward an individual who claimed that the product almost caused severe harm but he could not present any evidence.
During the court proceedings before Magistrate Somefun, Adeigbe pleaded not guilty to the charges and opted for trial at the Magistrate Court instead of the High Court. His legal counsel promptly applied for bail, which was granted, pending further proceedings.
Legal Charges Against Adefela Adeigbe:
The charges filed against Adefela Adeigbe include:
Count 1: Adefela Adeigbe on 08/08/2024 at about 1530hrs in Ibafo, Ogun State, in the Obafemi Owode Egba Magisterial District, defamed one of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited’s products, Cocosamba herbal mixture, on his blogger platform ‘Eko Mi Eko E’ and reposted on social media that the product “CAN KILL”, thereby committing an offense punishable under section 375 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun State.
Count 2: Adefela Adeigbe on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned magisterial district conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by publishing Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited’s product, Cocosamba herbal mixture, on his blogger platform ‘Eko Mi Eko E’ and reposting on social media that the product “CAN KILL”, thereby committing an offense punishable under section 249 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun State.
Date of Arraignment: 12/8/2024
Prosecuting Officer: ESP. SOLOTAN KAZEEM
In response to the allegations, Mr. Oguntade Samuel Oluseyi, Manager of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, expressed concern over the dissemination of false information about their product. Addressing journalists, he emphasized that Adeigbe’s case should serve as a warning to others spreading fake news.
Oluseyi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to consumer safety and compliance with regulatory standards. “The misinformation circulated by Mr. Adefela Adeigbe regarding Cocosamba is deeply concerning,” he stated. “Our product undergoes stringent quality controls and adheres to all regulations set by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).”
Expressing dismay over the potential harm caused by such misinformation to the company’s reputation and business, Oluseyi urged the public to verify information from credible sources before dissemination, as he felt that the misinformation has caused financial loss, business goodwill and has also affected the integrity which the company has built over a long period.
“We apprehended Mr. Adefela Adeigbe for publishing false news about our product, Cocosamba,” Oluseyi remarked. “This should serve as a lesson to those engaged in such activities. We are committed to ensuring that perpetrators of misinformation face the full consequences of the law.”
The company has reported losses exceeding 5 billion Naira due to persistent misinformation spread about the Nigerian local manufacturing company, Cocosamba, over the past six months.
“Adefela Adeigbe, a junk journalist, has consistently rewritten and featured this false narrative. The critical question remains: what does Adefela Adeigbe stand to gain by orchestrating the downfall of this local manufacturing company in Nigeria?” Oluseyi said.
Bullion-Go-Neat Global Limited has accused multiple bloggers of defaming its products by fabricating and spreading false information across various social media platforms. The company contends that these deliberate falsehoods aim to tarnish its business reputation, erode customer trust, and inflict substantial financial losses.
According to the company’s legal representatives, these actions contravene Section 24(2)(c) and Section 25(1) of the Cyber Crime Act 2015, as well as Sections 375, 376, and 125 of the Criminal Code Act. They assert that the accused individuals have caused significant economic and reputational harm.
“We have previously addressed some of these bloggers through petitions to the Commissioner of Police, and we remain committed to pursuing legal recourse against others involved in such malicious activities,” a legal representative of Bullion-Go-Neat Global Limited stated.
The company emphasizes its intent to seek justice and uphold its reputation amidst what it describes as damaging attacks on its business.
During an interview, Adeigbe informed our correspondent that he is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho. Investigations revealed that Adeigbe has no formal training in journalism.
Adeigbe’s arrest highlights authorities’ serious approach to combating inaccurate information and the potential legal repercussions for offenders. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities warning against the propagation of unverified health claims.
This incident underscores the importance of responsible journalism and the risks associated with publishing unverified information that could endanger public health and safety.
Oluseyi, however, urged members of the public and media to call 0811 249 9333 or send a message to info@bulliongloballtd.com for any enquries.
TAGS : Bullion Go-Neat Global, Coco Samba, Legal Action
