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Gospel singer and evangelist Tope Alabi has threatened legal action against individuals who publish or circulate false and defamatory statements about her, warning that those who repost or share such content on social media could also face legal consequences.
The warning was contained in a public notice issued on Friday by her solicitors, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, who said they had been instructed to pursue legal remedies against anyone whose actions gave rise to an actionable claim.
The notice, dated October 23, 2026, was shared by Alabi on her Instagram page. It described her as a gospel minister, recording artist, songwriter, actress and public figure of national and international repute.
Nearly three decades of reputation
According to the legal notice, Alabi has spent almost 30 years building her personal and professional reputation, which the firm said was protected by law.
The solicitors said it had come to their client’s attention that false, misleading and damaging statements about her had been published and circulated, or could continue to be circulated, through print, broadcast, online platforms and word of mouth.
They warned that anyone who published such statements without lawful justification could be held personally liable, whether the content appeared in written publications, photographs, videos, audio recordings or social media posts.
The notice also covered spoken statements allegedly made through broadcasts, interviews, podcasts, live streams and voice notes, which the firm classified under the legal concept of slander.
Reposting defamatory content could attract liability
The solicitors warned that potential liability would not necessarily be limited to the original creator of a statement, but could also extend to individuals who repeat, republish, repost, share, forward or otherwise amplify the material, depending on the circumstances and applicable legal defences.
They also cautioned social media users against assuming that anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts would shield them from legal consequences.
According to the firm, Alabi reserved the right to seek court orders, where legally permissible, to identify individuals responsible for offending publications through relevant social media platforms, website hosts or service providers.
The notice directed anyone who had already published the alleged defamatory material to remove it immediately and refrain from further publication.
However, the solicitors stressed that deleting a post would not automatically eliminate potential liability arising from its earlier publication.
Remedies the singer may seek
The firm said it had been instructed to institute legal proceedings against individuals whose conduct gave rise to actionable claims without further notice.
Among the remedies listed in the notice were general damages and, where legally available and justified, aggravated or exemplary damages.
The singer could also seek injunctions to prevent further publication, court orders compelling a retraction and an unreserved public apology, as well as legal costs on a full indemnity basis.
The solicitors added that Alabi reserved the right to pursue other remedies available under Nigerian law and refer appropriate cases to relevant authorities.
Freedom of expression not restricted
Despite the warning, the legal notice clarified that it was not intended to suppress lawful expression, including truthful statements, fair comment on matters of public interest and the lawful exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
The notice comes amid online controversy surrounding Alabi’s reported comments on traditional religious practices and renewed public discussion of her past association with the late cleric Elijah Ajanaku.
However, the legal notice did not identify the specific publications or allegations that prompted the warning.
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