Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi has threatened legal action against social media users who publish or share statements she considers false and defamatory about her.
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The notice stated that the singer, whose full name is Evangelist Patricia Temitope Alabi, had instructed her legal team to protect her personal, professional and spiritual reputation against potentially harmful publications.
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Lawyers warn against sharing alleged defamatory content
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According to the notice, Alabi has spent almost three decades building a reputation based on integrity, honour and public trust.
Her lawyers warned that legal responsibility could extend beyond the original author of an allegedly defamatory statement to people who repost, forward or otherwise circulate it.
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The legal team also cautioned social media users against assuming that anonymous accounts would protect them from possible legal consequences.
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The notice stated, “The use of anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts does not, of itself, confer immunity from legal liability.”
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Those who have already published material considered defamatory were urged to remove it and refrain from further circulation. However, the lawyers noted that deleting a post would not automatically erase potential liability for its earlier publication.
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Singer’s lawyers clarify position on free speech
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The legal notice indicated that Alabi could pursue remedies including damages, injunctions, retractions, public apologies and legal costs.
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However, the lawyers clarified that the warning was not intended to suppress legitimate criticism, truthful statements or lawful freedom of expression.
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The notice stated, “Nothing in this Notice is intended to restrict truthful statements, fair comment on matters of public interest, or the lawful exercise of the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by law.”
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The lawyers did not identify specific individuals facing legal proceedings in the notice.
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The development highlights the potential legal risks associated with publishing and circulating defamatory claims about public figures online.
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