Court convicts Ruth Ogunleye over TikTok videos against NDA commandant

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 imprisonment on each of two counts, with the terms to run concurrently but suspended for three years. She was also ordered to pay a total fine of ₦500,000.

Ogunleye pleaded guilty to two of the five counts brought against her by the Inspector-General of Police, while the prosecution agreed to withdraw the remaining charges under a plea bargain.

The charges concerned TikTok videos published in August 2026 containing allegations against the senior military officer.

The court also ordered her to publish a public apology in two national newspapers within 14 days, delete related videos and posts, and refrain from contacting or making further publications about the complainant.

Speaking after the judgment, counsel to the complainant, Mohammed Sani Katu, SAN, said the prison sentence was suspended to give Ogunleye an opportunity to demonstrate remorse.

“If within these three years she violates these terms, she will be brought back to serve the sentence,” he said.

The agreement further provides that her undertaking not to contact or publish material about the complainant will remain binding for life.