There was mild drama at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday as UK-based popular blogger, Maureen Badejo, was not produced in court as earlier indicated by investigating authorities.
A total of eleven lawyers had assembled at the court premises in anticipation of her appearance. However, proceedings were stalled after officials failed to present her before the court as expected.
Following her absence, members of the legal team proceeded to the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit in Yaba, where they were informed that Badejo had been booked out of custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, early in the morning.
Acting on the information, the lawyers moved to the cybercrime office and eventually located her in one of the facility’s offices.
Speaking with the legal team, the Assistant Director of the unit explained that Badejo could not be brought to court due to what he described as “numerous interested parties” and additional petitions being filed in connection with the case.
He added that authorities were uncertain whether she would be formally charged either today or tomorrow.
Determined to safeguard her rights, the lawyers have since maintained a vigil at the cybercrime unit to observe proceedings and provide legal counsel as she gives further statements to the Investigating Police Officer and her team.
Meanwhile, support for the blogger appears to be growing internationally.
Groups based in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada have reportedly begun fundraising efforts to cover her legal expenses.
One of her lawyers, Barrister George Ogunjimi, disclosed that Badejo had not eaten since Friday but remained in high spirits. According to him, upon sighting her lawyers, she requested a meal of rice and fish along with a bottle of Eva water.
Her continued detention and failure to appear in court have raised fresh concerns among supporters and legal observers, as they await further developments in the matter.
