A social media user, Samuel Adeboye Adeyeye, popularly known online as @Swanky, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for spreading false and malicious information about the family of Nigerian music stars Adekunle Gold and Simi.
Adeyeye was convicted after pleading guilty to charges bordering on the intentional dissemination of fake news through digital platforms.
The convict had allegedly circulated a false report claiming that the celebrity couple had lost their six-year-old daughter, Deja, to a rare genetic disorder known as Canavan disease.
The misleading post quickly gained attention on social media, triggering outrage among fans and followers of the singers before it was later debunked.
Following complaints lodged by the family, security operatives reportedly launched an investigation which led to the identification and arrest of the social media user.
During proceedings, the prosecution told the court that investigations revealed the publication was entirely fabricated and deliberately intended to tarnish the image of the celebrities while causing emotional trauma to the family.
Evidence presented before the court showed that the false claim was widely shared online, generating panic and misinformation among members of the public.
Adeyeye admitted to the offence during arraignment and appealed to the court for mercy.
Delivering judgment, the court sentenced him to two years imprisonment without the option of a fine, stressing the need to discourage the spread of fake news and malicious content on social media platforms.
