A university student has issued a formal demand for ₦15 million in damages after he was allegedly falsely accused of rape on social media, in a case that is quickly becoming one of the most talked about controversies online.
According to a legal letter dated February 22, 2026, solicitors from K.C. Anekwe & Associates acting on behalf of Mr. Ojukọ Adesobi David accused a woman of making a false rape allegation on or about February 17, which was then circulated widely across social media platforms.
The accusation reportedly included the public release of the student’s phone number, exposing him to direct harassment and public condemnation.
The lawyers described the allegation as “entirely false, malicious, reckless, and without factual foundation,” stating that the incident caused severe reputational damage, emotional distress, and loss of business opportunities.
Within hours of the accusation spreading online, the student allegedly began receiving calls and messages from strangers calling him a rapist.
For several days, his name circulated in online discussions as a suspected sexual offender.
Then the story took a dramatic turn.
The woman at the center of the allegation later released a public apology video, clearing David of wrongdoing. In the video, she reportedly admitted that the accusation was made out of annoyance rather than based on any actual incident.
But the apology did not end the matter.
David insists the damage has already been done.
His legal representatives argue that the apology was insufficient and lacking genuine remorse, noting that it failed to adequately repair the harm caused to his reputation.
As a result, the student is now demanding the following:
• ₦15 million in compensation for defamation and related harm
• A written apology and full public retraction on all platforms where the allegation appeared
• Immediate removal of all defamatory content
• A formal undertaking to never repeat such statements
The accused party has been given 14 days to comply with the demands, failing which legal proceedings may begin.
At the time of reporting, the dispute remains in the pre-litigation stage, and no court case has yet been officially filed.
Why This Case Matters
Legal observers say the case highlights the growing dangers of trial by social media, where accusations can spread to thousands of people before facts are verified.
Unlike physical damage, reputational damage can linger long after innocence is proven.
Even after a public apology, screenshots and posts often remain online indefinitely.
Some commentators argue that ₦15 million is excessive, while others insist the amount reflects the seriousness of publicly labeling someone a rapist without evidence and some even demanded that he could have charged ₦100 million.
Many observers also note that if the accusation had not been retracted, the student’s education, career prospects, and personal safety could have been permanently affected.
The Bigger Debate
The case has triggered intense public discussion about:
• False accusations
• Social media justice
• Due process
• Reputation damage
• Legal accountability
Supporters of the lawsuit argue that strong legal consequences are necessary to discourage reckless accusations.
Critics argue that large financial penalties may discourage genuine victims from speaking up.
For now, the case remains unresolved.
But one thing is clear.
This incident has become a powerful reminder that a single accusation posted online can change a life overnight whether it is true or false.
What is your view? Should an apology be enough, or should financial damages follow?
