Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactical, SWAT, unit of the Nigeria Police Force have arraigned a traditional ruler from Ikorodu and an alleged accomplice before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court over allegations of defamation, cyberbullying and contempt of court.
The defendants, Olusola Olugbade, 49, and Sanni Yusuf, were brought before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a four-count charge after their arrest at the SWAT Command in Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.
According to the prosecution, the case originated from a petition filed by Kazeem Sikiru Kalejaiye, who alleged that the defendants forged the signature of his late father to facilitate the sale of a disputed parcel of land.
Police further told the court that after the complainant obtained a High Court order restraining the defendants and others from carrying out transactions on the property, the accused persons allegedly resorted to social media, where they published content described as defamatory and injurious.
The prosecution said the defendants allegedly branded the court judgment as fake, used offensive language against the complainant and urged the public to disregard the ruling, actions said to have damaged his reputation.
The matter was reportedly referred by the Inspector-General of Police to the SWAT unit for investigation. Following inquiries led by Inspector Odesina Olufemi, the suspects were charged with conspiracy, cyberbullying, defamation of character and contempt of court.
Prosecuting counsel, ASP Reuben Solomon, told the court that the defendants knowingly circulated false claims aimed at discrediting the complainant and undermining a valid court decision.
He also alleged that despite the subsisting court order, the defendants and others still at large continued to transact on the disputed land, which led to their arrest.
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 411, 24(2), 373 and 104 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji granted them bail in the sum of N3 million each, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case until May 20, 2026, for further proceedings.
In this article