By Jelili Gbadamosi
A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has remanded Abimbola Olajumoke, a disqualified All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, in prison custody for one month over allegations bordering on defamation, cyberbullying and kidnapping.
Chief Magistrate Abayin Adeosun ordered Olajumoke’s remand following her failure to appear in court at the next adjourned sitting after she had earlier been granted bail.
The case was instituted by Yemisi Joluwe, Chief Executive Officer of YSJ Agro-Allied Limited, who accused Olajumoke of making statements that allegedly damaged the reputation of her company and caused concern among its staff and stakeholders.
Following the defendant’s failure to appear, the court revoked the earlier bail order and ordered that she remain in custody for one month. The matter was adjourned until September 15 for further proceedings.
Joluwe said she approached the court to seek justice over what she described as false and damaging claims against YSJ Farms.
According to her, the company welcomes legitimate criticism but would not allow what she described as deliberate falsehoods to undermine its reputation, investors, employees and customers.
She said the company’s operations had not been disrupted by the case, adding that YSJ Farms remained focused on agriculture, food production and youth empowerment in Ekiti State.
On allegations relating to kidnapping and the reported death of a staff member, Joluwe said security agencies were investigating the matter and that the company would allow the investigation to run its course.
She added that YSJ Farms had maintained collaboration with security agencies and the Ekiti State Government to ensure the safety of its workers and participants across its farm clusters.
Joluwe said the company was seeking a formal retraction, public apology and appropriate damages over the alleged defamatory statements, stressing that the case was also intended to promote accountability in the use of social media and public communication.
