A 28-year-old woman, Blessing Edwin, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ejigbo on 11th June, 2026, over allegations bordering on publication of statements alleged to cause fear and breach of public peace.
The accused person appeared before the Court on Charge No. 17202. According to the charge sheet presented by the prosecution, the incident was alleged to have occurred on 9th June, 2026, at about 10:00hrs within Liberty Estate, Ikotun, Lagos Magisterial District.
In Count One, the prosecution alleged that Blessing Edwin published a statement to the public advising people to avoid one Princess Onyeneke and referred her as a fraudster. The charge sheet stated that the accused allegedly had reason to believe such statement was false at the time of publication.
The offence in Count One was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 39(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, 2015. That section addresses publication of statements alleged to cause fear, alarm, or public disturbance within the state.
Count Two of the charge alleged that the accused provoked a breach of peace through offensive publication against the same complainant. The prosecution claimed that rumours were allegedly circulated suggesting the complainant was a fraudster, knowing that such rumours could bring disaffection.
Count Two was said to be contrary to Section 57 of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, 2015, which deals with acts alleged to provoke breach of public peace. The charge sheet was signed by CSP Sadiku Afolabi Ibrahim on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
When the charges were read to her in court, the accused person pleaded not guilty to both counts. Under Nigerian law, every person accused of an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The prosecution counsel, Inspector Simon Njue and ASP Adeosun Simeon, represented the Commissioner of Police during the proceedings. The case was recorded as originating from Ikotun Police Station according to court documents.
The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Njue, asked the Court for a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations. The accused maintained her not guilty plea.
The Presiding Magistrate, Miss F.R. Ogunkoyede, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum. The sureties were ordered to show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned till 7th July, 2026, for further hearing. The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.
Legal observers noted that Sections 39 and 57 of the Lagos State Criminal Law address publications and conduct alleged to disturb public order. Courts often examine intent, veracity of information, and actual impact when adjudicating such matters. The case highlights the need for caution when sharing information about individuals online.
J