Ganiyu Abiola, 39, has appeared before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on charges of defamation and breach of peace. The charges stem from allegations that Abiola posted false information about Police Inspector Folasade Adeoye on his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts.
The prosecutor, Insp. Sikiru Opaleye, reported that the alleged offences occurred on May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Egbeda area of Ibadan. According to Opaleye, Abiola claimed that Inspector Adeoye had been involved in fraudulent activities, despite knowing the information was false. This behavior, Opaleye argued, was likely to disrupt public peace.
The alleged offences violate Sections 249 (d) and 375 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000, which prescribe penalties of up to one year in prison for defamation and one month for breach of peace.
Abiola pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted him bail in the amount of N500,000 with two sureties of equal sum. One surety must be affiliated with a human rights organization, and the other must provide proof of three years’ tax payments. The case is adjourned until November 19 for mention.
