The Oyo State Police Command on Thursday dragged two market women, Aminatu Wasiu, 36, and Opeyemi Adewole, 36, before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, the state capital, for allegedly defaming a colleague on social media.
The two suspects were charged with conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and defamation of character.
The offence was allegedly committed on April 10, around 4 p.m, in Ogunpa market, Ibadan, the prosecution counsel, Mr Philip Amusan disclosed.
Amusan told the court that the women deliberately injured the reputation of their fellow market woman, Ajoke Coker, by posting her picture with the caption: ‘Ajoke is a thief ‘ on social media.
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In his argument, the prosecution counsel said the accused conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by posting their fellow woman’s photograph and captioning it negatively on social media.
He noted that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 516, 375 and 249(d) of the Criminal laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Magistrate, Mrs O. A Akande, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N100,000 each with one surety in like sum.
She adjourned the case until May 4 for a hearing.