BREAKING: Family Warns Of Possible Protest As Lagos Court Delays UK-Based Blogger Maureen Badejo’s Release
Badejo, known for her activism and commentary on social issues affecting Nigerians, has been in court custody as her legal team pursues bail.
The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, is reportedly delaying the bail of United Kingdom-based Nigerian blogger and activist Maureen Badejo, a family source has said.
According to the source, the court has repeatedly issued varying reasons for the delay, causing frustration for Badejo and her legal team. The court also recently rejected a Level 14 officer who appeared on her behalf.
“They have been causing delays by giving different excuses. They just rejected the Level 14 officer presented as surety as well,” the source said.
“There may be a protest depending on the feedback we get on Wednesday morning,” the source added, signaling potential public demonstrations if the matter is not resolved promptly.
Badejo, known for her activism and commentary on social issues affecting Nigerians, has been in court custody as her legal team pursues bail.
On Monday, March 30, SaharaReporters reported that proceedings in Maureen Badejo’s case at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi were stalled after the court failed to sit, prompting both parties to agree on a new adjournment date.
The court session, originally scheduled for 9:00 a.m., was repeatedly delayed, first to 10:00 a.m. and then to 11:00 a.m., causing uncertainty and frustration among lawyers, court observers, and the parties present.
However, after hours of waiting, court officials informed those present that the court might not eventually sit.
Attendees were subsequently told that any party interested in an adjournment should come forward, prompting both the prosecution and defence to jointly agree on a new date.
Badejo’s lawyer and the prosecuting counsel thereafter settled for June 23, 2026, as the next hearing date.
A source present in court told SaharaReporters, “We waited from morning till late. The time kept changing, 9am, 10am, 11am, but the judge never came. Eventually, they told us the court might not sit again and asked parties to take a date.”
Another observer described the development as frustrating, noting that “people travelled and waited for hours, only to be told to go home without any proceedings.”
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Justice Akintayo Aluko granted Badejo bail in the sum of N50 million with stringent conditions, including the provision of two sureties, one of whom must be a relative, while the other must be a Level 14 government official with property in Lagos State.
The court also ordered her to deposit her passport and directed that her personal belongings be released.
Badejo was initially remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre following her arraignment on multiple counts linked to podcasts published on her GIO TV Media platform.
The police alleged that the blogger made defamatory claims against Pastor Ajose Sola of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), including accusations of engaging in ritual practices, extramarital affairs, and other alleged misconduct.
According to the charge sheet, the publications were deemed false and capable of inciting public disorder, contrary to provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
The case has drawn criticism from civil society organisations, which have described the prosecution as an attempt to stifle dissent and freedom of expression.
With the latest adjournment, the matter is now expected to resume on June 23, 2026.
