Lawyer docked over alleged fake news about Edo University

A 59-year-old lawyer, Ogedengbe Oiseoruemi Ayodeji, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court, for allegedly publishing defamatory matters and fake news on his Facebook account about Edo University, Iyamho. The accused was arraigned on a four count-charge of publishing defamatory matters, fake news, among others punishable under the Criminal Code as applicable in Edo State. […]

A 59-year-old lawyer, Ogedengbe Oiseoruemi Ayodeji, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court, for allegedly publishing defamatory matters and fake news on his Facebook account about Edo University, Iyamho.

The accused was arraigned on a four count-charge of publishing defamatory matters, fake news, among others punishable under the Criminal Code as applicable in Edo State.

The prosecuting counsel, Thomas Ojo, told the court that “on June 22, the accused and others now at large with the intent to injure the reputation of Edo University, Iyamho, unlawfully published a defamatory matter on his Facebook account named Ogedengbe Oisoruemi Ayodeji Uduanghe, titled “press statement Friday 21, June 2019, NUC revokes Edo University Iyamho, operating licences”.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges in court while his counsel led by Peter E. Uwadiae pleaded with the court to grant him bail.

Uwadiae, who led 27 other counsels in the defence of the accused, told the court that the accused is a legal practitioner and would not jump bail if granted.

The presiding magistrate, I .U. Iyoha granted the accused bail on self-recognition and adjourned the case to September 3, for continuation of hearing.