The Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has released a Youtuber, Israel Balogun, who was previously detained on criminal defamation and cyberstalking charges leveled against him by Apostle Johnson Suleman, General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries International.
The 38-year-old was investigated by police on Wednesday and later arrested after being handed strict bail restrictions, according to NEWS DIRECT.
Balogun had spent the night in police prison, but his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, reported Balogun’s release to the press on Thursday in Abuja following his detention for more than 24 hours.
During the speech, the Youtuber was also seen standing next to the lawyer.
Effiong said, “Finally, we have Mr Israel Balogun here with us. He has just been released from the custody of the FCIID in Abuja over the petition filed by Apostle Johnson Suleman. He had petitioned the police and got him (Balogun) arrested over alleged cyber-stalking and defamation.
“He spent the night in custody which was unnecessary
“We are not afraid of prosecution; we are not afraid of the powers of the state because my client is on the side of the law.”
The lawyer also said his client did not defame Suleman but acted within his “right to freedom of expression”.
Balogun had previously shared a video on his Youtube page showing recordings of Suleman stating to his congregation that angels will deposit money into their bank accounts, according to NEWS DIRECT.
The videos were taken during the cleric’s visits to Atlanta, Georgia, and Auchi, Edo State, where devotees displayed their phones to attest that they had received credit alerts in their bank accounts.
Balogun had criticized Suleiman and said the charges were bogus.
The Youtuber’s comments, however, drew varied reactions on social media, with some praising him for his daring and others accusing him of seeking importance.
