Man Arraigned for Alleged Online Defamation of Police Officer

A 39-year-old man, Ganiyu Abiola, was arraigned by the Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday for allegedly defaming a police officer through social media platforms Facebook and WhatsApp. The case was presented before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan.

Abiola was charged with two counts: defamation and breach of peace. The police prosecutor, Inspector Sikiru Opaleye, explained to the court that the incident occurred on May 12, 2024, around 6:00 p.m. in the Egbeda area of Ibadan. According to the prosecution, Abiola used his Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to falsely accuse Inspector Folasade Adeoye of aiding someone in committing fraud.

“The defendant knew that the information was false, yet he chose to spread it online,” Opaleye stated. He further noted that Abiola’s actions were likely to cause a breach of peace by spreading falsehoods about a law enforcement officer.

The alleged offenses are said to be in violation of Sections 249(d) and 375 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

Abiola, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following his plea, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted him bail. The bail was set at N500,000 with the requirement of two sureties in like sum. Magistrate Ogunkanmi specified that one of the sureties must be a member of a recognized human rights association, while the other must provide evidence of three years of tax payments to the Oyo State Government.

The case has been adjourned until November 19, 2024, for further mention.

This case highlights the increasing legal scrutiny over the use of social media to make allegations, particularly when those claims can harm reputations and disrupt public peace. The court’s decision will likely be watched closely as it navigates the balance between freedom of speech and the responsible use of social media.