By Ayobami Ife
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Professor Abayomi Fasina, has dragged a senior staff of the institution, Mrs Folasade Adebayo, Sahara Reporters, and the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) to court for alleged defamation.
The suit instituted at the Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Judicial Division, followed the publication of sexual harassment allegations made against Prof. Fasina by Mrs. Adebayo.
The alleged defamatory materials were published by Sahara Reporters and FIJ.
In the suit marked HAD/58/2025, Mrs Adebayo, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), and SaharaReporters are the first, second, and third defendants, respectively, while Prof. Fasina is the claimant.
Through his counsel, T.S. Adegboyega, Esq. Professor Fasina claimed that the defendants maliciously circulated audio recordings and published accompanying reports that malign him and caused substantial reputational damage.
He contends that the audio was obtained and circulated without his consent, and that its publication outrightly constitutes cyberbullying, cyberstalking, defamation, and blackmail.
The claimant added the 2nd defendant, (FIJ), allegedly acting at the instigation of the first defendant (Mrs. Adebayo), circulated the recording on 20 and 29 January 2025 via its website, www.fij.ng, alleging that he sexually harassed and victimised her.
He said, “Since the circulation of the audio recordings and defamatory reports by FIJ and Sahara Reporters, I have received numerous phone calls, WhatsApp messages, and visits from concerned colleagues, family, and professional contacts in Nigeria and abroad.”
“The libelous publications were not only maliciously intended to damage his hard-earned reputation as a Christian leader, an academic, and a public servant, but also defamed his character and integrity.
“The defamatory words in the publication suggested criminality, a lack of moral standing, and professional misconduct, thereby lowering my estimation among peers, stakeholders, and the general public.”
Following from this, the plaintiff sought an order directing the defendants to retract the publication with an apology published in three national newspapers and on their digital platforms.
He also applied for a perpetual injunction restraining defendants by themselves or by their servants or agents, from making further publications on the issue.
The plaintiff also demanded N250m in damages for psychological distress and reputational harm caused by the libelous and malicious publication and N20m to cover the cost of the legal action.
Other reliefs sought include “A declaration that the audio recording and its circulation, along with the accompanying falsehoods, constitute slander
“A declaration that the unauthorised publication by the defendants amounts to cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and blackmail”
