Court remands Islamic cleric over alleged defamatory social media posts
Islamic Cleric Remanded in Defamation Case
OSOGBO—A Federal High Court in Osogbo has ordered the remand of Islamic cleric Jamiu Adeguwa at the Zone 11 Police Command following allegations of defamation made on social media.
The ruling, issued Monday by Justice Suleiman Hassan, specifies that Adeguwa will remain in police custody until a formal bail application is heard on June 26.
Adeguwa faces a single count charge related to defamation and pleaded not guilty in court.
Police prosecutor J. Famuyin presented evidence indicating that the alleged offense took place between July 4 and July 31, 2022, within the Osogbo area. The prosecutor claimed Adeguwa disseminated false verbal and photographic messages via his social media page, Al-Madrasatu Wahabiya, which he alleged were damaging to the character and reputation of the complainant.
Famuyin cited applicable provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, specifically sections 24(1)(a), (b), and 24(2)(a).
Defense attorney Oladayo Ogungbe requested that the court grant bail under liberal terms, asserting that Adeguwa has the right to liberty while awaiting trial. The prosecution, however, opposed the bail request, urging the court to remand the defendant at Ilesa Correctional Centre until the hearing.
Justice Hassan denied the oral bail application and confirmed that Adeguwa would be kept in police custody. The case has been adjourned until June 26 for the bail hearing.
