Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) unit of the Nigeria Police Force have arraigned a traditional ruler from Ikorodu and an alleged accomplice before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court over charges bordering on defamation, cyberbullying and contempt of court.
The defendants, Olusola Olugbade, 49, and Sanni Yusuf, were brought before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a four-count charge following their arrest at the SWAT Command in Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.
According to the prosecution, the case stemmed from a petition submitted by Kazeem Sikiru Kalejaiye, who accused the defendants of forging the signature of his late father in relation to the sale of a disputed parcel of land.
The police told the court that after a High Court issued an order restraining the defendants and others from further transactions on the property, the accused persons allegedly took to social media to publish statements described as defamatory and damaging to the complainant’s reputation.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendants described the court judgment as fake, used abusive language against the complainant, and called on members of the public to disregard the ruling.
The matter was said to have been transferred to the SWAT unit by the Inspector-General of Police for investigation. Following inquiries led by Inspector Odesina Olufemi, the defendants were subsequently charged with conspiracy, cyberbullying, defamation of character, and contempt of court.
Prosecuting counsel, ASP Reuben Solomon, told the court that the defendants knowingly circulated false claims aimed at discrediting the complainant and undermining a valid court judgment.
He also alleged that despite the existing court order, the defendants and others still at large continued transactions on the disputed land, which led to their arrest.
The offences were said to contravene Sections 411, 24(2), 373 and 104 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji granted them bail in the sum of N3 million each, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case to May 20, 2026, for further hearing.
