Deleting Posts Won’t Erase Liability — Tope Alabi’s Lawyers Warn Social Media Users

Nigerian gospel singer Tope Alabi has threatened legal action against social media users who publish or circulate statements she considers false and defamatory, saying she is determined to protect her personal, professional and spiritual reputation.

The singer issued the warning through a public notice released by her lawyers, Oakmount Legal Practitioners, and shared on her Instagram page on Friday, October 23, 2026.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the notice identified the singer by her full name, Evangelist Patricia Temitope Alabi, and stated that she had instructed her legal representatives to take necessary steps to protect her reputation against potentially damaging publications.

Her lawyers noted that Alabi had spent nearly three decades building a reputation founded on integrity, honour and public trust, warning that allegedly defamatory statements could attract legal consequences.

The legal team also cautioned that responsibility could extend beyond the original author of a disputed publication to individuals who repost, forward or otherwise distribute the material on social media.

The lawyers further warned that using anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts would not automatically shield individuals from potential legal liability.

“The use of anonymous, pseudonymous or unverified accounts does not, of itself, confer immunity from legal liability,” the notice stated.

Social media users who have already shared material considered defamatory were urged to remove the content and refrain from further circulation. However, the lawyers stressed that deleting a post would not necessarily eliminate liability for its earlier publication.

The notice indicated that possible legal remedies could include damages, court injunctions, retractions, public apologies and recovery of legal costs, depending on the circumstances of any case.

Despite the strong warning, Alabi’s legal representatives clarified that the notice was not intended to prevent legitimate criticism, truthful statements or lawful discussion of matters of public interest.

“Nothing in this Notice is intended to restrict truthful statements, fair comment on matters of public interest, or the lawful exercise of the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by law,” the lawyers stated.

The notice did not identify any specific social media users facing legal proceedings.

The development highlights the growing legal concerns surrounding online publications and the circulation of potentially defamatory claims about public figures. It also serves as a reminder that social media users should exercise caution, verify information before sharing it and distinguish between legitimate criticism and statements that could unlawfully damage another person’s reputation.