38-year old man who allegedly defamed character of a resident of River Valley Estate, Ojodu, Lagos and published the story in a Nigerian daily was on Tuesday arraigned in Lagos.
The accused, Olugbenga Sonaiya, who resides at Ojodu Berger, Lagos, is facing a charge of publication of false news with intent to cause fear before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Sonaiya pleaded not guilty to the charge.
At the arraignment, the Prosecutor, Insp. Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 3, 2010.
Imhonwa said that the accused alleged that a fresh human head was found at the house of one Mr Anthony Okpala.
“Soniaya falsely claimed to have seen a fresh human skull at Mr Okpala’s home located within River Valley Estate.
“He also raised an alarm by causing terror to members of the public and subsequently sold the story to journalists.
“The false information that was intended to defame the character of Mr Okpala was published in one of the newspapers on Dec. 3, 2010,” Imhonwa said.
He said the offence contravened Section 39 of Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, granted the accused N100, 000 bail with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till April 4 for trial.
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