By Solomon OKPO | The Evangelist Crime Desk
Busola Obiyemi has rejected a publication linking her to an alleged internet fraud case reported in 2008, describing recent references to the report as an attempt to blackmail and damage her reputation.
The publication, attributed to Mid-Week Crime Watch and dated February 27, 2008, reported the arrest of a 400-level student, identified as Wale Ijabiyi, alongside a female accomplice identified as Busola Obiyemi, over allegations of internet-related fraud. The report attributed the allegations to unnamed Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sources and stated that investigations were ongoing at the time.
However, Obiyemi has strongly disputed the narrative being circulated about her, insisting that she has never been convicted by any court in Nigeria over the allegation. She also stated that she is not aware of any court judgment, indictment or pending case file against her arising from the incident.
According to her, the circumstances surrounding the old report have been misrepresented in recent publications and social media posts. She alleged that she unknowingly allowed her mobile phone to be used by an individual who claimed to be in distress and needed to make an urgent telephone call, a circumstance she said subsequently exposed her to suspicion.
Obiyemi further questioned the continued circulation of the 2008 report without reference to any subsequent court proceedings or judicial outcome. She described the recent publication attributed to a person identified as “Astro Jewoola” as unwarranted blackmail and a false representation of her record.
She said: “I never had any court order or court proceedings, no indictment, no judgment and no case file with the EFCC anywhere in this country, Nigeria, against me till date.”
Obiyemi also spoke about the personal consequences of the controversy, saying she has been married for almost 10 years but has not been able to join her husband outside this Country, Nigeria. She said the continued circulation of allegations from nearly two decades ago has compounded the difficulties she has faced.
The available 2008 report itself stated that investigation into the matter was ongoing at the time. An arrest or allegation, without evidence of a subsequent conviction or judgment, does not by itself establish criminal guilt.
Obiyemi therefore appealed to members of the public, journalists and media organisations to exercise caution before republishing old allegations as established facts, insisting that her reputation should not be destroyed by a report whose subsequent legal outcome, if any, has not been established.
