Man sued for defaming police officer on Facebook

The police in Ibadan on Tuesday, arraigned a 39-year-old man, Ganiyu Abiola, for alleged defamation of the character of a police officer through Facebook and WhatsApp. Abiola, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of defamation and breach of peace before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court. He, however, pleaded not guilty to […]

The police in Ibadan on Tuesday, arraigned a 39-year-old man, Ganiyu Abiola, for alleged defamation of the character of a police officer through Facebook and WhatsApp.

Abiola, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of defamation and breach of peace before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrate’s Court.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 12 at 6pm at the Egbeda area of Ibadan.

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Opaleye said that the defendant, through his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts, alleged that Insp Folasade Adeoye aided someone to commit fraud.

He said that the defendant knew that the information was false.

Opaleye said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by spreading false information about Adeoye.

The prosecutor said that the alleged offences contravened Sections 249 (d) and 375 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until November 19 for hearing. (NAN)