LASG to prosecute Yomi Fabiyi over controversial movie

Modupe Shodeinde

The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) on Monday said it will prosecute Nigerian actor, Yomi Fabiyi, for contempt of court over production of his controversial film “Oko Iyabo.”

This was made known by the Director of Public Prosecution in Lagos State, Olayinka Adeyemi, on Monday.

Adeyemi informed an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday that despite warnings Fabiyi produced the controversial movie “Oko Iyabo,” based on the court proceedings of June 24, 2021.

She stated that the matter was sub judice and, therefore, prohibited from public discussion elsewhere, Fabiyi made a movie detailing the facts of the case.

According to her, 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,” she said.

The presiding judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo expressed displeasure with 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.

The lead defence counsel, 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.