Defamation: 12 Oyo mechanics land in prison over Makinde

Seyi Makinde

Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun

By Adebisi Fatima Sogbade

Twelve automobile mechanics who accused Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of planning to unlawfully take over their land were remanded at Agodi Correctional facility for alleged defamatory publication.

The 12 automobile mechanics were arraigned on eight-count charge bordering on treasonable felony, threat to life, defamatory publication, and threatening violence.

The automobile mechanics were identified as are Abdullahi Alajiga, 38, Olaniyi Dauda, 71, Alfa Olafisoye, 69, Daudu Babalola, 52, Akande Musbau, 58, Olatinwo Wale, 42, Saheed Tijani, 41, and Sunday Awosope, 38.

Others include Idris Olujimi, 32, Ayobami Idowu, 37, Olajire Sodiq, 24, and Adeniyi Alimi, 51.

The prosecutor, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Dec. 5, at about 2.00 p.m. at Olubadan Estate, Egbeda area.

Opaleye alleged that the defendants posted a video on social media threatening to forcefully remove Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State from office.

He said, “defendants made utterances threatening to kill Gov. Seyi Makinde through the video posted on social media

• Makinde: Security agencies still investigating cause of Ibadan explosion
• Makinde commutes 4 death sentences to life imprisonment
• Akeredolu: Makinde declares 3-day mourning, flags fly at half-mast

“They published false news on social media that Gov. Makinde grabbed their land and ejected them from their workshops, with the intent to cause fear and alarm to the public”.

Opaleye said the defendants knew that the publication they made against Gov. Makinde was false.

He said the defendants acted in a manner likely to cause breach of the public peace by causing fear and threatening to cause chaos in Oyo State

Opaleye said the offences contravened Sections 41 (b), 59, 70, 86 (1), 249 (d), 323, 375 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Counsel to the defendants, Mr E .O. Fatola, R. A. Akinloye, Ajibola Akanji, E. M. Olona and Akinlolu Banji, however, announced their appearance for the defendants. (NAN)

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the plea of the defendants, ordered that they be remanded at Agodi Correctional facility, Ibadan.

She also ordered that the casefile be taken to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

She, thereafter, adjourned the case until Jan. 22, 2025 for mention.