By Babalola Seyi
A 48-year-old man, Joshua Oki, on Monday appeared before an Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo for posting on Facebook, pictures and words defaming the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye.
The defendant, who was arrested by the operatives of Department of State Services, appeared before Magistrate Modupe Awodele.
Addressing the court, the Prosecutor, B.O. Nweke explained that Oki committed the offence on Friday , June 19 , 2020 , in Osogbo.
According to him , the suspect used the pseudonym, “Sayo Oki ”.
Nweke said the defendant knew that the pictures and words posted were untrue and against the Speaker but he still went ahead to post the materials .
The offences committed were said to be contrary to Sections 374 (1 )b, as well as 374 and punishable under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol. 2 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002 .
Oki pleaded not guilty to the two -count bordering on defamation of character levelled against him.
His counsel, Ibraheem Imran, urged the court to commit the defendant to bail.
Ruling on the application, Magistrate Awodele committed the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties .
She then adjourned the matter to July 14, 2020 , for hearing.