An Ekiti State Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has ordered the arrest of disqualified All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state, Abimbola Olawumi, over alleged blackmail, cyberbullying and death threats against the Chief Executive Officer of agro-allied company YSJ Limited, Yemisi Joluwe (YSJ).
Tribune Online had reported that she was first arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Ado-Ekiti on July 23, where she pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge preferred against her and was granted bail on self-recognition. The case was adjourned until July 28, 2026.
However, Olawumi’s failure to appear in court in person angered the magistrate, who viewed her action as a sign of disrespect for the court.
Counsel to the defendant, Odunayo Okunade, apologised to the court over his client’s absence, explaining that she was unable to attend the proceedings due to health challenges.
In his argument, the Police Prosecutor, Samson Osobu, strongly opposed the defence’s explanation, insisting that the defendant’s absence was unjustifiable.
Osobu argued that despite claiming to be ill, Olawumi was allegedly active on social media on July 26 and 27, where she reportedly continued to abuse, curse, threaten, bully and terrorise the complainant, as well as other prominent personalities in Ekiti State.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant’s conduct amounted to a gross abuse of the bail earlier granted by the court.
He urged the court to revoke her bail and issue a bench warrant for her arrest.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun expressed displeasure over the defendant’s failure to appear in court.
The magistrate stated that the court was disappointed that Olawumi failed to honour its proceedings despite being granted bail, noting that parties granted bail are expected to strictly comply with the conditions attached to it.
He subsequently revoked the bail earlier granted and issued a bench warrant for her arrest while adjourning the case until August 17, 2026, for further hearing.
Meanwhile, the plaintiff, who is the Chief Executive Officer of agro-allied company YSJ Limited, Yemisi Joluwe, expressed satisfaction with the court’s pronouncement.
According to her, the time had come for Olawumi “to pay for all her terrible actions, which were carried out with utmost impunity.”
She said, “Nobody is above the law, and I am ready to get justice through the court. She has consistently bullied me and allegedly masterminded the kidnap of my staff.”