UK-Based Blogger Maureen Badejo Arrested in Lagos Over Clerics’ Petitions

UK-based Nigerian blogger Maureen Badejo has been arrested in Lagos by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force following complaints reportedly lodged by two prominent Christian clerics.

Police sources confirmed that Badejo was taken into custody on Friday by detectives attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). She was subsequently transferred to the police Cybercrime Unit in the Adekunle area of Yaba for questioning.

The arrest is said to be linked to petitions submitted by the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, and the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr Daniel Olukoya. The specific allegations contained in the petitions have not been officially disclosed.

However, the matter is believed to be connected to Badejo’s online publications and social media content, which have previously drawn legal challenges from religious figures and their associates.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued a formal statement clarifying the offences alleged against the blogger or the legal basis for her detention. Attempts to obtain comments from the police spokesperson were unsuccessful.

Badejo has been involved in several high-profile legal disputes with Nigerian clerics in recent years, including defamation cases in the United Kingdom. In one notable case, a UK court dismissed an application brought against her and ordered Apostle Suleman to pay damages and legal costs.

She has also interviewed individuals who made serious allegations against some church leaders, claims that have generated public controversy but were not formally addressed by the accused parties. Developments surrounding her arrest are expected to attract close public and legal scrutiny in the coming days.