The drama concerning Busola, photographer, and wife of popular singer, Timi Dakolo, and COZA pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo is still ongoing. On Tuesday, August 6, a story filtered onto the internet about how she was forced at gunpoint by the men of the Nigerian Police Force to sign a letter. The letter contained allegations of criminal conspiracy, falsehood, mischief, and a threat to life. These were not levelled against Fatoyinbo, however, but against her and her husband.
The incident reportedly happened three weeks after she had filed a rape allegation against the Senior Pastor of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo. Dakolo in an interview with the Guardian recalled that a white minibus with tinted windows had blocked her path, a man appeared and told her to get out of the car, get into the bus and speak to his oga – Nigerian pidgin English for boss. She said when she refused, three men got out of the minibus and walked towards her. One was holding a gun, and she noticed a second one holding a letter. They told her they were from IG’s [the inspector general of police] office in Abuja and that she needed to sign the letter and acknowledge it.
Hours after the interview got out to the internet, Busola has now taken to clear the air concerning it. She has made it clear that she didn’t sign the petition and the case is still going to continue until she gets justice. She had posted of herself with the caption, “Thanks for the goodwill and best wishes. The interview with the UK Guardian was held two weeks ago when the police came to my house. It is not a new interview.
“I did not sign a counter-petition or acquiesce to any counter-petition. I am very grateful for all those who have reached out, including from institutions that are to help us get justice. Our legal and police case continues. This has not ended by any chance. This is about many young girls who must know they can get justice when they speak. I continue to be resolute and thank you for standing with us.”
Busola is been hailed as a brave survivor whose speaking out, women’s rights activists hoped, could set off a #MeToo movement in the West African country where patriarchal traditions continue to stigmatize survivors. Now she found herself hounded in a seemingly orchestrated social media campaign.
