The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) says
it will prosecute a Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, for contempt of court over
airing a movie about the facts of a case under judicial consideration.
The Director of Public Prosecution in Lagos State, Mrs
Olayinka Adeyemi, on Monday, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that Fabiyi
produced a movie entitled “Oko Iyabo,” based on the court proceedings of June 24,
2021.
Adeyemi told the court on Monday that despite warnings
during proceedings of June 24 that the matter was sub judice and, therefore,
prohibited from public discussion elsewhere, Fabiyi went ahead and made a movie
about the facts of the case.
The DPP noted that the movie, which was aired after the
proceedings of June 24, breached the Judge’s directives by revealing sensitive
information about the case which is before the court.
“Despite the warnings of this honourable court, an actor
called Yomi Fabiyi went ahead and made a movie about the facts of this case.
“He used real names of the parties and witnesses in this
matter in the movie. Our application is to exclude him, his privies and his
agents from proceedings in court.
“He is not in court at the moment but his representatives
may be in court. This is contempt of court and we intend to prosecute him and
bring him before this court,” the DPP said.
Reacting, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo expressed displeasure
about the development and ordered an investigation.
“This case is sub judice and you are not to be making videos
and disparaging comments on social media. This needs to be investigated,” the
judge said.
Responding to the allegations, the lead defence counsel, Mr
Dada Awosika (SAN), said though he was aware of the movie, it was filmed before
the criminal case began in court.
“The movie is about the controversy between two artists –
Yomi Fabiyi and Iyabo Ojo. I saw the movie on YouTube.
“The two of them are supporters on different sides. Fabiyi
is one supporter and Ojo is another supporter.
“This movie is about the controversy between both of them
and they are not parties to this case,” Awosika said.
Justice Taiwo reiterated the fact that the allegations
against Fabiyi should be investigated by authorities to enable legal actions to
be taken against him if he is found culpable.
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