A 30-year-old man, Frank Chukwudi, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly publishing defamatory content about Ridwan Olalekan on WhatsApp.

Chukwudi is facing charges of defamation, threat to life and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, ASP Olagoke Adegbenro, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences in July at Odo-Ona Kekere, Ibadan.

Adegbenro alleged that the defendant not only published Olalekan’s picture on WhatsApp he also tagged him as wanted.

He further alleged that the defendant falsely described Olalekan as a thief and offered N100,000 to anyone who knew his whereabouts.

The prosecutor said the defendant also threatened Olalekan’s life by trailing him with suspected cultists and sending purported voice messages.

He said the offences contravened Sections 86 and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Mrs Olasinmibo Sanusi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until Nov. 16 for hearing.

(NAN)