Chief magistrate orders APC aspirant’s arrest after no-show in court

By Boye Oyeyemi

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has ordered the arrest of an All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Abimbola Olawumi, after revoking the bail earlier granted to her in a case involving alleged blackmail, cyberbullying and death threats.

The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, issued a bench warrant for Olawumi’s arrest after she failed to appear in court for the continuation of her trial.

Olawumi is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on alleged blackmail, cyberbullying and issuing death threats against the Chief Executive Officer of YSJ Limited, Yemisi Joluwe. She pleaded not guilty to the charges when she was first arraigned on July 23 and was granted bail on self-recognition.

At the resumed hearing, defence counsel, Ayokunle Okunade, apologised for his client’s absence, informing the court that she could not attend proceedings because of ill health.

The police prosecutor, Samson Osobu, opposed the excuse, arguing that the defendant’s absence was unjustified despite her claim of being unwell.

Osobu told the court that Olawumi was allegedly active on social media on July 26 and 27, where she reportedly continued to abuse, threaten and cyberbully the complainant as well as other prominent personalities in Ekiti State.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant’s conduct amounted to a clear violation of the privilege of bail earlier granted by the court, urging the magistrate to revoke the bail and order her arrest.

In his ruling, Adeosun faulted the defendant’s failure to appear in court, stressing that persons admitted to bail must comply with court proceedings. He consequently revoked Olawumi’s bail, issued a bench warrant for her arrest and fixed August 17, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.