Nigerian gospel singer and evangelist Tope Alabi has threatened legal action against individuals who publish or circulate false and defamatory statements about her, warning that liability could extend beyond the original creators to people who share or amplify such content online.
The warning was contained in a legal notice issued by her solicitors, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, and shared by the singer on Instagram on Friday, October 23, 2026.
In the notice, the legal firm said it had been instructed to pursue available legal remedies against individuals whose conduct could give rise to actionable claims over publications concerning the gospel artiste.
Describing Alabi as a gospel minister, recording artist, songwriter, actress and public figure, the solicitors said she had spent almost three decades building her personal and professional reputation.
They maintained that her reputation was a valuable asset protected by law and warned against the publication of statements they described as false, misleading or injurious.
The legal notice cautioned individuals against publishing allegedly defamatory material about the singer through social media posts, videos, images, audio recordings, podcasts, interviews, live streams, voice notes and other forms of communication.
According to the solicitors, liability could arise where a person publishes or causes the publication of false or malicious statements without lawful justification.
The firm also warned that people who repeat, republish, repost, share, forward or otherwise amplify offending content could potentially face legal consequences, depending on the circumstances and applicable legal defences.
The notice stated that the use of anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified social media accounts would not, in itself, provide immunity from legal liability.
Alabi’s solicitors further said they reserved the right to seek court orders, where legally permissible, to identify individuals responsible for offending publications through relevant platforms, hosts or service providers.
The legal notice directed individuals who had already circulated the material in question to remove it and refrain from further publication.
However, the solicitors cautioned that deleting a post would not automatically eliminate potential liability arising from its earlier publication.
The firm said it had instructions to institute legal proceedings against anyone whose conduct gave rise to an actionable claim, without further notice.
Among the remedies identified in the notice were general damages and, where legally available and justified, aggravated or exemplary damages.
Other possible remedies include injunctions against further publication, retractions, public apologies and legal costs, subject to the applicable law and the court’s determination.
The notice also stated that the singer reserved the right to pursue available remedies under Nigerian law and refer appropriate matters to relevant authorities.
Despite the strong warning, Alabi’s legal representatives stated that the notice was not intended to restrict lawful expression.
The solicitors said truthful statements, fair comment on matters of public interest and the lawful exercise of freedom of expression remained outside the intended scope of the warning.
The notice comes amid online controversy surrounding the singer’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, individuals or allegations that prompted the warning.
It also did not establish that any person had already been found legally liable for defamation in connection with the controversy.
The development highlights the potential legal risks associated with publishing and circulating allegations about public figures online.
While social media users can express opinions and participate in public discussions, allegations presented as facts can raise legal concerns, particularly when they are false and damaging to another person’s reputation.
The circumstances of a publication, the evidence supporting it and any applicable legal defences may be relevant in determining whether a claim for defamation succeeds.
For journalists, bloggers and other online publishers, the warning reinforces the importance of verifying claims, maintaining accurate records and distinguishing established facts from allegations and personal opinions.
Alabi’s legal threat signals her intention to protect her reputation through available legal channels, although any dispute that proceeds to court would be determined on its evidence and applicable law.
Visit www.rapidospace.com for more entertainment news and updates.
