Man arraigned in court for allegedly defaming police officer

By Adeyanju Esther

On Tuesday, the Oyo State Police Command brought 39-year-old Ganiyu Abiola before the court, for allegedly defaming a police officer’s character through posts made on Facebook and messages sent via WhatsApp.

Ganiyu Abiola, whose address was not disclosed, is facing a two-count charge of defamation and breach of peace before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court.

He has, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye, informed the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Egbeda area of Ibadan.

Opaleye stated that the defendant used his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to accuse Insp. Folasade Adeoye of assisting someone in committing fraud.

He added that the defendant was aware the information was false.

Opaleye also noted that the defendant’s actions were likely to incite a breach of peace by disseminating false information about Adeoye.

The prosecutor stated that these alleged offences violated Section 249 (d) and Section 375 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

Section 249 (d) of the law stipulates a one-year prison term for defamation of character, while Section 375 prescribes up to one month in jail for breach of peace.

Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted the defendant bail set at N500,000 with two sureties of equal amount.

One of the sureties must be affiliated with a human rights association.

She also instructed that the second surety must provide proof of three years’ tax payments.

The case has been adjourned until November 19 for further mention.