An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has revoked the bail earlier granted to All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Abimbola Olawumi, in her ongoing trial over allegations of blackmail, cyberbullying and death threats.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun made the order on Tuesday after Olawumi failed to appear before the court for the continuation of proceedings.
Olawumi was arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force on July 23, 2026, on a four-count charge bordering on alleged blackmail, cyberbullying and threats to life against the Chief Executive Officer of agro-allied company, YSJ Limited, Yemisi Joluwe, and other individuals.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted bail on self-recognition following an application by her counsel, Odunayo Okunade. The matter was then adjourned until July 28 for further proceedings.
At Tuesday’s hearing, defence counsel informed the court that the defendant was unable to attend because of health challenges and apologised for her absence.
The prosecution, however, challenged that explanation.
Police prosecutor, Samson Osobu, told the court that despite claiming to be ill, Olawumi remained active on social media on July 26 and 27, where she allegedly continued to publish abusive, threatening and intimidating posts directed at the complainant and other prominent personalities in Ekiti State.
According to the prosecutor, the alleged conduct amounted to a clear abuse of the privilege of bail granted by the court.
Osobu consequently urged the court to revoke the defendant’s bail and issue a bench warrant for her arrest.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Adeosun expressed dissatisfaction with the defendant’s failure to honour the court’s proceedings, stressing that persons admitted to bail are expected to strictly comply with all conditions attached to their release.
The court consequently revoked Olawumi’s bail and issued a bench warrant for her arrest.
The matter was thereafter adjourned until August 17, 2026, for further hearing.
The case adds to the growing number of criminal prosecutions involving allegations of cyberbullying and online harassment, offences that have increasingly been prosecuted under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws where the alleged conduct is said to involve threats, intimidation or other forms of unlawful online communication.