The Federal High Court in Kaduna has convicted Ruth Ogunleye over defamatory TikTok publications against the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye.
Justice Rilwanu Aikawa sentenced her to one year's imprisonment on each of two counts, totalling two years, alongside a fine of ₦500,000. However, the prison sentences will run concurrently and have been suspended for three years under a plea bargain agreement pursuant to Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Ogunleye was initially arraigned on five counts filed by the Inspector-General of Police over videos allegedly published on her TikTok account, @ogunleyeruthsavage, on or about August 14, 2026. The videos included captions such as "Maj General Yemi Olatoye is responsible for my death" and "I go post your oga own too, your oga own dey my phone."
The charges were brought under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015, as amended in 2024. Following negotiations, she pleaded guilty to Counts One and Two, while the prosecution agreed to withdraw Counts Three, Four and Five.
Under the agreement, she must:
- Pay ₦250,000 for each count, totalling ₦500,000 to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Tender a public apology in two national newspapers within 14 days, in a form approved by the nominal complainant's counsel.
- Delete all related TikTok videos and posts within 48 hours of her release from custody.
- Refrain from making further statements or publications about the NDA Commandant, directly or through another person.
- Avoid contacting him directly or indirectly and never republish or share the disputed materials.
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