Kemi Olunloyo Calls for Repeal of Cybercrime Law After BLORD Granted Bail
_April 17, 2026_
Journalist Dr. Olukemi Olunloyo has called for the repeal of Nigeria’s defamation provisions in the Cybercrime Act following the bail of businessman Linus Williams, known as BLORD, on self-recognizance.
In a statement titled “BLORD vs VDM CASE🇳🇬,” Olunloyo wrote: “Businessman Blord was granted bail this morning in Nigeria on self recognizance and depositing of international passport. Many of us were bailed on millions of Naira, Sureties etc.”
She criticized the use of criminal law for defamation cases, stating: “Defamation is NEVER CRIMINAL, It is a civil case. It should be repealed, Omoyele Sowore himself knows that with that law, most journalists cannot work. Politicians and public figures have has journalists arrested calling it ‘defamation’ Let Journalists do their work. If you are defamed, sue members of the public to civil court.”
Olunloyo referenced her own experience with the law: “When I was fighting GEJ and the Nigerian Police in 2013 when the Cybercrime law was passed in the Nigerian Police code, some of you were ignorant. It was that very same law they used to arrest me 4 years later in the Ibiyeomie case.” She added: “This is why I left the country permanently because of the Oromoni case I was vindicated from after being threatened.”
She commended Sowore’s team for recent releases, writing: “Kudos to Sowore’s activism department who also got Journalist Maureen Badejo freed from her own pastors case another one people were abusing me of. Getting BLord out on SELF RECOGNISANCE is commendable.”
On the number of countries with similar laws, she stated: “There are only 3 countries left with this draconian law. Nigeria 🇳🇬 Myanmar 🇲🇲 and Ghana 🇬🇭.”
Addressing VeryDarkMan, real name Martin Vincent Otse, Olunloyo wrote: “As for Influencer Martin Vincent Otse, continue to fight for your brand and likeness impersonation but take it to a CIVIL COURT. This is a civil case. May you solve your indifferences soon. Both you and BLord have good brands to protect.”
She concluded: “As for Nigerians, Focus on the bigger picture AND YOURSELF‼️‼️‼️ #DrKemiofNigeria #drkemithingstoknow”
Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 contains provisions under Section 24 that have been used in cases involving online statements. Civil society groups and press freedom organizations have previously called for amendments to the law.
Editorial Note:
This report relays statements made by Dr. Olukemi Olunloyo on social media.