TOPE ALABI THREATENS LEGAL ACTION OVER DEFAMATORY PUBLICATIONS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Gospel singer and evangelist Tope Alabi has threatened legal action against individuals who publish or circulate false and defamatory statements about her, warning that liability could extend to those who repost or share such content online.

The warning was contained in a public notice issued on Friday by her solicitors, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, which said the singer had instructed the firm to pursue legal remedies against anyone whose conduct gave rise to an actionable claim.

The notice, dated October 23, 2026, was shared by Alabi on Instagram. It described her as a gospel minister, recording artist, songwriter, actress and public figure of national and international repute.

According to the solicitors, Alabi had spent almost 30 years building her reputation, which they described as a valuable personal and professional asset protected by law.

The firm said it had become aware that false, misleading and injurious statements concerning the singer had been, and could continue to be, circulated through print, broadcast, online platforms and word of mouth.

It warned that anyone who published such statements without lawful justification could face legal consequences.

The notice stated that liability could arise from defamatory material published in written or permanent forms, including images, videos, audio recordings and social media posts, as well as statements made through broadcasts, interviews, podcasts, livestreams and voice notes.

The solicitors further cautioned that responsibility might extend beyond the original author of a statement to people who repeat, republish, repost, share, forward or otherwise amplify it, depending on the circumstances and any applicable legal defences.

“The use of anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts does not, of itself, confer immunity from legal liability,” the firm stated.

It added that Alabi reserved the right to seek court orders, where legally permissible, to identify individuals behind offending publications, including through relevant online platforms, hosts or service providers.

The notice directed anyone who had already published the material to remove it immediately and refrain from further publication.

However, the solicitors warned that deleting a post would not automatically extinguish potential liability for its earlier publication.

The firm said it had instructions to institute legal proceedings against anyone whose conduct gave rise to an actionable claim, without further notice.

Among the remedies listed were general damages and, where legally available and justified, aggravated or exemplary damages.

Others included injunctions restraining further publication, court orders compelling a retraction and an unreserved public apology, as well as legal costs on a full indemnity basis.

The solicitors added that Alabi reserved the right to pursue remedies available under Nigerian law and refer appropriate cases to relevant authorities.

However, the notice clarified that it was not intended to restrict lawful expression, including truthful statements, fair comment on matters of public interest and the lawful exercise of freedom of expression.

The warning comes amid online controversy surrounding Alabi’s reported comments on traditional religious practices and renewed public discussion of her past association with the late cleric Elijah Ajanaku.

The notice did not identify the specific publications or allegations that prompted the legal warning.