In recent news, Nwakaego Okoye, a TikTok user, has received a three-year prison sentence for cyberstalking Eniola Badmus, a prominent actress in Nigeria’s Nollywood industry.
This case sheds light on the seriousness with which authorities handle online harassment, and it serves as a warning to potential offenders.
Conviction and Sentencing:
Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos found Nwakaego guilty of cyberstalking and charged her with two counts.
Despite pleading guilty, the court presented her with an alternative to jail time – a fine of N150,000.
The crime was committed in collaboration with an accomplice, Chimabia, who is currently at large.
The offenses occurred between December 2022 and July 2023 and were in violation of Sections 24(1)(b)(2)(a)(c) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
The Motive Behind Cyberstalking:
Nwakaego Okoye’s arrest came after she made defamatory remarks about Eniola Badmus.
During her confession, she revealed that she defamed the actress because her friend, Fortune Ibe, had promised to pay her N200,000.
In a video where she apologized for her actions, Okoye explained that desperation drove her to resort to such behavior, as she needed the money to pay her rent.
Eniola Badmus’s Decision:
Despite appeals for an out-of-court settlement, Eniola Badmus remained steadfast in her decision to pursue legal action against Nwakaego Okoye.
For Badmus, her reputation, which she had worked hard to build, was at stake, and she was determined to hold Okoye accountable for the damage caused.
Conclusion:
The case of Nwakaego Okoye and Eniola Badmus highlights the gravity of cyberstalking and its repercussions.
With Okoye’s sentencing, the authorities send a clear message that online harassment will be met with strict consequences.
It also emphasizes the importance of being responsible and ethical in one’s online behavior, and serves as a cautionary tale for others who might contemplate engaging in similar activities.