The Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Pamela Onyeagusi, a skincare therapist, on charges of defamation of character and cyberstalking. These allegations stem from her use of social media to blackmail her client, Justice Zaynab Bashir. The official declaration of her status as a wanted individual was published in a special police gazette bulletin, authorized by the Inspector General of Police, and accompanied by an arrest warrant issued by the Magistrate Court of Lagos.
The gazette contains detailed information about Pamela, including her vital statistics and physical descriptions, with the aim of aiding her apprehension. The police have urged the public to assist in her capture, directing anyone who encounters her to report to the nearest police station or the Office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (INTERPOL) and Head of National Central Bureau (NCB) at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Prior to being declared a fugitive, a Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice G.K. Olotu, ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Pamela Onyeagusi and her company, Lotela Beauty Limited. This legal action was taken following a complaint by the legal team representing Justice Zaynab Bashir, which alleged substandard services and violations of their client’s rights by Pamela and her company. Pamela’s failure to appear in court on multiple occasions led to the court granting an ex parte motion by the complainant, compelling her to attend court proceedings and address her persistent contempt of court.
The specific orders issued by the court, as a result of the ex parte motion filed on July 21, 2023, are as follows:
- An interim order freezing the bank account of the 2nd defendant, Pamela Onyeagusi, held with First Bank of Nigeria, PLC (account number 3020495579), as well as any other bank accounts associated with her BVN No: 94283760288, pending the hearing and determination of the charges, as these accounts were allegedly used for illegal and criminal activities related to the charges.
- Permission granted to the complainant to declare Pamela Onyeagusi wanted in the media, including national and international newspapers, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with the publication of her personal information and photographs.
Justice Olotu scheduled the case for arraignment on September 21, 2023.
Meanwhile, there are indications that Pamela Onyeagusi, who is currently in hiding, may be planning to leave Nigeria and seek asylum in the United States. She is suspected of conducting a social media campaign to fabricate scenarios of threat and intimidation against herself, potentially aiming to strengthen her case for asylum by presenting her social media reports and documentation to relevant US authorities.
The complainant, in this case, chose to pursue legal avenues instead of resorting to self-help, challenging the credibility of Pamela’s claims regarding threats to her life on social media.
