The Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has hinted at plans to prosecute a Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, for contempt of court for releasing a movie about the facts of a case under judicial consideration.
The Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Olayinka Adeyemi, on Monday, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that Fabiyi produced a movie entitled “Oko Iyabo,” based on the court proceedings of June 24, 2021.
Nollywood actor, James Olanrewaju Omiyinka, aka Baba Ijesha is standing trial for charges bordering on rape, sexual assault and abuse of a minor.
Adeyemi informed the court that despite warnings during proceedings of June 24 that the matter was subjudice and, therefore, prohibited from public discussion elsewhere, Fabiyi went ahead and made a movie about the facts of the case.
The DPP noted that the movie, which was released after the proceedings of June 24, breached the Judge’s order by revealing sensitive information about the case which is still before the court.
He said: “Despite the warnings of this honourable court, an actor called Yomi Fabiyi went ahead and made a movie about the facts of this case.
“He used real names of the parties and witnesses in this matter in the movie. Our application is to exclude him, his privies and his agents from proceedings in court.
“He is not in court at the moment but his representatives may be in court. This is contempt of court and we intend to prosecute him and bring him before this court.”
Reacting, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo expressed displeasure about the development, affirming that the matter is subjudice.
“This case is subjudice and you are not to be making videos and disparaging comments on social media. This needs to be investigated,” the judge said.
Responding to the allegations, the lead defence counsel, Dada Awosika (SAN), said that though he was aware of the movie, it was filmed before the criminal case began in court.
“The movie is about the controversy between two artistes – Yomi Fabiyi and Iyabo Ojo. I saw the movie on YouTube.
“The two of them are supporters on different sides. Fabiyi is one supporter and Ojo is another supporter.
“This movie is about the controversy between both of them and they are not parties to this case,” Awosika said.
Justice Taiwo emphasised that the allegations against Fabiyi should be investigated by authorities to enable legal actions to be taken against him if he is found wanton.
TCN had reported on how Fabiyi and a co-director of the movie were suspended from the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPPAN) over the movie which the body said contravened ethical standards.