A popular fashion designer, Teslimat Abubakar Adebimpe, known online as @_TASLEEMAH, has been arraigned before the Upper Area Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, over allegations of cyberbullying, defamation, and attempted extortion of ₦80,000 from a Lagos-based woman, Adunola Simbiat.
The legal dispute arose from a social media controversy that erupted after Teslimat accused Simbiat of absconding with the payment for a dress allegedly made for her.
However, Simbiat has vehemently denied ever ordering or accepting the outfit.
In a press statement released by her legal counsel, Kabir Akingbolu Salawu, Simbiat claimed the entire episode was a deliberate attempt to publicly embarrass and blackmail her after she refused to pay for what she described as a “badly sewn, low-quality” dress forced upon her ahead of a traditional marriage introduction in Ilorin this past February.
“There was no agreement or payment arrangement for the dress.
“Our client vehemently rejected the outfit due to its poor quality and skimpy nature. She never took delivery of it,” said Akingbolu.
According to the statement, Teslimat had been introduced to Simbiat through a mutual acquaintance.
Despite Simbiat’s clear refusal, Teslimat allegedly proceeded with the tailoring and delivered the outfit a day before the event.
Simbiat reportedly returned to Lagos, leaving the dress behind.
Weeks later, Teslimat allegedly demanded ₦80,000 as compensation for her unsolicited service.
When Simbiat refused to pay, she allegedly became the target of a coordinated online campaign, during which her private phone number was leaked.
This sparked a wave of harassment and verbal abuse from social media users, the statement said.
“This is a clear case of defamation and blackmail. “There is no proof our client ever ordered the dress, yet she was subjected to a brutal online assault based on lies, ”Akingbolu said.
Following the online drama, Teslimat was arraigned on charges of cyberbullying and attempted extortion and was granted bail in the sum of ₦1 million.
While there are reports that Teslimat has issued private apologies, Simbiat’s lawyers maintain that no sincere public remorse has been shown, especially toward those misled by the viral accusations.
“This case is not just about clearing our client’s name,” the statement continued. “It is about standing against the weaponisation of social media to harass innocent Nigerians under false pretences,” it added.
Teslimat’s associates have also been warned to steer clear of further defamatory commentary, with the legal team stating that ignorance will not be an excuse in court.
The case has been adjourned to July 9, 2025, for further hearing.
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