Two arraigned for defaming Oduduwa varsity

The Lagos State Police Command on Friday arraigned two men, Nelson Godwin and Adigun Sobowale, for allegedly making defamatory statements on a live broadcast studio against the Oduduwa University located in Ipetumodu, Osun State.

Godwin and Sobowale were arraigned at the Yaba Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Magistrate Patrick Nwaka on four counts of defamation and breach of peace.

The prosecutor, Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the defendants made defamatory statements in a video on Youtube and a broadcast channel, WOTV, stating that the institution was known for killing people and collecting illegal tickets from students and lecturers.

Nurudeen stated that they committed the crime on July 6 and 7, 2023, around 10 and 11am respectively, at the WO Ibile/WOTV office located at Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos.

According to him, the crime committed contravenes and is punishable under Sections 516,373, 374(1) a b (2)(3) and 375 and 249(d) of the Criminal Code cap ‘C38’ Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The defence counsel, Mr Omotosho and S.V Ogunbiyi prayed the court to grant the defendants bail in the most minimal terms.

With no objection from the prosecuting counsel and following their not-guilty plea, Nwaka granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

Nwaka adjourned the case till December 4, 2023, for mention.