In 2020, a serious allegation of rape was made by Dr. Bolanle Aseyan against Dr. Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya Harvey (also known as “OurFavOnlineDoc”), a UK-based Nigerian medical doctor and social media personality. The allegations sparked legal action, media debates, and eventually investigations in the UK and Nigeria. Over time, evidence emerged that the allegations could not be proven; legal charges of defamation and false publication were brought against Aseyan. Meanwhile, investigative journalism—including reporting by FIJ and Fisayo Soyombo—has followed and amplified developments.
Dr. Aseyan publicly alleged that Dr. Olufunmilayo sexually and emotionally abused her. Among the claims were non-consensual intercourse following alcohol intoxication.
Dr. Olufunmilayo responded: he accepted they had sexual relations (twice), once while drunk (both parties), another time after a fight, but denied rape. He claimed that after the first instance, Aseyan said she did not consent; but also that she did not allege sexual abuse at the time when asked directly.
UK Police and the General Medical Council (GMC) via the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) got involved. Dr. Olufunmilayo says he was “exonerated” after UK investigations.
In Nigeria, Aseyan was charged in Lagos under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act for false publication/online publication of a rape allegation (i.e., defamation through false rape claim).
In the UK, the 2023 tribunal found that the allegations against Dr. Olufunmilayo were “determined and found but not proved.” That is, the tribunal did not conclude in favour of Aseyan; the medical tribunal cleared him to resume practice.
In Nigeria, in early 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed Aseyan’s “no-case submission” (i.e. an attempt to have the case against her dropped without a trial) in the defamation/false online rape allegation matter. The Court ruled she has a case to answer.
Latest Developments
1. Acquittal of Bola Aseyan in Cyberbullying/Cybercrime Suit in Nigeria
On August 8, 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos (though the case was filed in Abuja) discharged and acquitted Dr. Bola Aseyan from charges filed by the Inspector General of Police.
The court found that the prosecution failed to prove the counts beyond reasonable doubt, for four separate counts under the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act.
As part of the ruling, the seized items (including her international passport) were ordered to be returned immediately.
2. Dispute Over the “Rape” Allegation Coverage by FIJ; Dr. Olufunmilayo’s response
Around 14-15 September 2025, FIJ published investigative articles alleging that Dr. Olufunmilayo intoxicated his former partner (Bola Aseyan) and sexually assaulted her, and that he later orchestrated her detention by police in Lagos.
Dr. Olufunmilayo responded, claiming the FIJ reports are defamatory, one-sided, and part of a “malicious … attack” on his reputation. He accuses FIJ of denying him a chance to fully respond to allegations, calling the narrative biased.
In turn, FIJ (via Fisayo Soyombo) says they did reach out with questions, that Ogunsanya was given an opportunity to respond, and that their editorial process was followed.
As of September 23, 2025, the FIJ articles remain online; no retraction noted.
3. UK Medical Tribunal/GMC Status Remains Exoneration
Back in 2023, the UK’s Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) cleared Dr. Olufunmilayo of the allegations (rape, emotional abuse, etc.) made by Aseyan; they found the allegations “not proved” and concluded his fitness to practise was not impaired.
4. Ongoing Legal/Reputational Questions
Although Aseyan was acquitted of the Nigerian charges in 2025, that doesn’t necessarily resolve all civil or reputational issues. For instance, Dr. Olufunmilayo’s response suggests he’s considering or has engaged in civil legal action (defamation) over what he says are false claims.
The FIJ reporting dispute, centred on whether Dr. Olufunmilayo was given a fair chance to respond, remains contested. On X, public support leans heavily toward Dr. Olufunmilayo, with criticism of FIJ’s coverage and mentions of other unproven accusations against him (at least 6, per FIJ). Despite Aseyan’s acquittal in Nigeria and Olufunmilayo’s UK exoneration, unresolved civil and reputational issues suggest this controversy is far from over.
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