The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all four cybercrime charges brought against a female medical doctor, Dr. Bolanle Aseyan, by the Inspector General of Police.
In a judgment delivered on Friday, Justice Peter Lifu ruled that the police failed to prove the allegations of cyberbullying, harassment, and defamation as required by law.
The case stemmed from a bitter relationship between Aseyan and her former boyfriend, Dr. Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya, both UK-based medical professionals. After their breakup, the two had accused each other of harassment and made public posts on social media.
The police accused Dr. Aseyan of defaming and intimidating Ogunsanya online, allegedly harming his reputation. But during the trial, the police were unable to present key evidence, including proof that the alleged social media posts were made by her.
Justice Lifu noted that the police did not present Dr. Aseyan’s social media handle as evidence, which made it difficult to directly link her to the alleged cybercrime. He added that the court also found no clear threat or intimidation in the available evidence.
The judge further revealed that the court found both parties had previously been in a romantic relationship and had made public accusations against each other following a messy breakup.
He stated that while the police brought three witnesses, and the defence brought two, the charges still lacked the legal foundation needed for conviction.
As a result, Justice Lifu dismissed all four counts and ordered the police to immediately return Dr. Aseyan’s seized properties, including her international passport, upon receipt of the judgment.
Dr. Aseyan had earlier accused Ogunsanya of rape and abuse during her 2020 visit to the UK, saying she passed out after drinking wine he offered her upon arrival and later woke up to find he had allegedly had sex with her without consent. Ogunsanya, on his part, denied the allegations and also accused her of defamation.
The court’s decision puts an end to a case that drew public attention over the sensitive nature of its allegations and the use of legal systems across borders by former lovers.