On Tuesday, September 3, the Oyo State Police Command brought a 39-year-old man named Ganiyu Abiola before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrate Court. He is facing charges of defaming a police officer on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Police prosecutor Inspector Sikiru Opaleye told the court that the alleged offenses occurred on May 12, 2024, around 6:00 p.m. in the Egbeda area of Ibadan. Opaleye said that Abiola posted on Facebook and WhatsApp, falsely accusing Inspector Folasade Adeoye of aiding someone in committing fraud.
Opaleye also stated that Abiola’s actions were likely to cause a breach of peace by spreading false information about Adeoye.
The prosecutor mentioned that these actions violated Sections 249(d) and 375 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000. Ganiyu pleaded not guilty to the two counts of defamation and breach of peace.
Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted Ganiyu bail of N500,000 with two sureties, each also responsible for N500,000. One surety must be from a human rights association, and the other must provide proof of three years of tax payments to the Oyo State Government.
The magistrate set the next court date for November 19, 2024, for further proceedings.
