Producer of Adedibu Film Seeks Police Help Amid Death Threats and Family Disputes

Tensions are rising over the movie "Adedibu: Alagbara Ibadan." The producer has asked the police for help because of alleged death threats, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.

This issue started after the family of the late Ibadan politician Lamidi Adedibu demanded that YouTube remove the film. They claim that Seun Oloketuyi and his team misrepresented Adedibu's life and career.

The family is seeking N500 million in damages. They say the filmmaker did not get their permission and that the film includes false and harmful portrayals of the politician.

Mr Oloketuyi, who made the movie through Ultimate Communications, and director Abiodun Jimoh, have rejected the family's claims. They say the film is based on publicly available information and will not take it down.

Now, Mr Oloketuyi has written to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, about the threats to his life.

In the petition, dated 16 October and submitted through his lawyer, Ememabasi Umoeka of ASALAW LP, he named Bose Adedibu as a suspect. He urged the police to investigate her and other family members.

He accused Ms Bose and some of her relatives of threatening his life. He asked the police chief to pay urgent attention to his complaint.

Mr Umoeka stated, "Our client has received various telephone calls threatening his life from the suspect and other members of her family. Our client gets calls from private numbers that threaten to harm him if he does not take the film down."

He added, "The suspect and her cohorts have continued to use social media, where our client’s name and the film are publicly labelled as 'fake,' 'thief,' 'scammer,' and 'fraud.' The suspect even goes as far as to call our client a criminal. Our client fears for his life, especially because of the life-threatening calls related to the film."

Mr Umoeka mentioned that Mr Oloketuyi’s safety is at risk. He said the suspect and her family members have threatened his life. He pointed out that Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to life.

He explained that threatening someone's life is a serious crime under the Criminal Code Act and state laws.

He also noted that threats made through electronic means could lead to more legal consequences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

The law prohibits electronic messages that bully, threaten, or harass others in ways that cause fear of death or harm.

Mr Umoeka insisted that the calls made by the suspect and her relatives fit into these legal provisions. He stressed that these threats should not be ignored.

"A threat to life must be investigated. Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act criminalizes using computer systems to send messages that are offensive or false to cause anxiety or to bully others."

He continued, "By repeatedly posting our client’s name and the film on social media and calling him a scammer, thief, and fraud, the suspect has engaged in online harassment. The purpose is to humiliate our client and turn the public against him, which is what the law aims to punish."

Mr Umoeka stated that Ms Bose and her family have damaged Mr Oloketuyi’s reputation by labeling him a "thief," "scammer," "fraud," and "criminal."

He argued that these statements suggest criminal conduct that could harm Mr Oloketuyi’s career and public image.

He also cited Sections 373, 375, and 376 of the Criminal Code Act, which address defamatory publications.

He noted, "These accusations were not made privately. They were published on public platforms to many people. Our client denies them, and nothing the suspect has published justifies them. The right to free speech is subject to laws that protect others' rights and reputations."

"Threatening phone calls and ongoing public accusations against our client could lead to unrest. The danger is real. If the police do not act quickly, these threats could lead to violence against our client."

Mr Umoeka said his client wants the IGP to act quickly on the petition. He wants police units like the National Cybercrime Centre to start investigating the allegations without delay.

He also requested immediate security measures to protect his client and prevent more threats.

The lawyer added that his client wants the suspect and anyone involved in the threats to be questioned. He urged the police to ensure their attendance if needed.

Mr Umoeka said, "Under the Police Act 2020, the Nigeria Police Force must prevent crime, protect lives, and enforce the law. Our client has done everything a law-abiding citizen can do. He has hired lawyers and now comes to the police."

He stressed that when someone’s life is at risk, delay can be dangerous. He said this petition needs quick action, not routine processing.

He warned that if any harm comes to his client, the suspect and her family will be held responsible.

Mr Umoeka said his client wants the IGP to tell the suspect and her relatives to stop all alleged threats against him and to stop spreading claims that he is a fraud.

He said Mr Oloketuyi is ready to help investigators and will provide relevant evidence to assist the probe.

"If the investigation reveals enough evidence of any crime, those responsible should be charged and prosecuted as the law requires. We hope your office will treat this petition with the urgency it deserves."

Meanwhile, the family has threatened to sue Mr Oloketuyi for not taking down the film despite their objections.

The family’s lawyers, Blossom Chambers, sent a letter to the producer’s legal team, with the IGP copied. The letter, dated 12 October, stated that the film’s continued presence supports the family’s legal action.

The family plans to address claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, and copyright infringement in their proposed lawsuit.

They also want compensation for emotional distress caused to the deceased’s family.

They issued Mr Oloketuyi a 72-hour ultimatum to take down the film and provide a full account of its YouTube earnings from 3 October.

"Pull down the video and provide YouTube analytics showing revenue earned. Disclose the source of private life information."

The family said they would go to the Oyo State High Court if their demands are not met. They also plan to file complaints with the NDPC and the Nigerian Copyright Commission.

They further stated they would send a counter-notification to YouTube, including Mr Oloketuyi’s acknowledgment of using family photographs.

"Your threats of falsehood are laughable. Truth is our defense. We have not published anything false about your client. You published falsehoods about us for money."

The film has 822,000 views on YouTube. Veteran actor Lere Paimo plays Adedibu in the movie, which the National Film and Video Censors Board approved.

The production also includes Adekola Tijani, Taiwo Ibikunle, Segun Arinze, Afeez Oyetoro, Anike Ami, Shushu Abubakar, and Kayode Olaiya.

Mr Oloketuyi first announced the project in 2022. He said he wanted to document the stories of influential Nigerians and preserve records of Nigeria’s political history.

Adedibu, who passed away on 11 June 2008, was a powerful political figure in Oyo State. His influence earned him the nickname "strongman of Ibadan politics."

He played a key role in shaping political battles and strengthening the PDP’s political machinery in Oyo State, making him an important figure in Nigeria’s political story.