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The Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has freed a Youtuber, Israel Balogun, who was earlier detained over allegations of criminal defamation and cyber stalking of the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the 38-year-old was interrogated for and later detained after being given stringent bail conditions.
Balogun had passed the night in police custody but his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, while addressing the press on Thursday in Abuja, announced the release of the Youtuber after his detention for over 24 hours.
The Youtuber was also seen beside the lawyer during the address.
Effiong said, “Finally, we have Mr Israel Balogun here with us. He has just been released from the custody of the FCIID in Abuja over the petition filed by Apostle Johnson Suleman. He had petitioned the police and got him (Balogun) arrested over alleged cyber-stalking and defamation.
“He spent the night in custody which was unnecessary
“We are not afraid of prosecution; we are not afraid of the powers of the state because my client is on the side of the law.”
The lawyer also said his client did not defame Suleman but acted within his “right to freedom of expression”.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Balogun posted a video on his Youtube channel where he showed clips of Suleman declaring to his congregation that angels would deposit money into their bank accounts.
The clips were from ministrations of the cleric in Atlanta, United States, and Auchi, Edo State, where worshippers showed their phones to testify to receiving credit alerts in their bank accounts.
Balogun described the claims as false and slammed Suleiman.
His remarks were trailed by mixed reactions on social media.
While some commended Balogun for his boldness, others said he was seeking relevance.
Detals later…
