The police authorities had arrested Dan-Asabe on a three-count charge involving conspiracy, defamation, and publishing false news against Maharaj Ji.

Gbenga Dan-Asabe, a blogger and publisher of Asabe Africa Afrika TV on YouTube, has been arraigned before the Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on charges of publishing defaming content against spiritual leader, Satguru Maharaj Ji.

The 45-year-old, who appeared in court on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

The police authorities had arrested Dan-Asabe on a three-count charge involving conspiracy, defamation, and publishing false news against Maharaj Ji.

According to the prosecution counsel, ASP M. O. Lawal, the blogger is accused of collaborating with others to broadcast the defamatory material.

He said, “The defendant with intent to injure the reputation and expose him to hatred was alleged to have unlawfully published the defamatory matter in ‘Iwe Iroyin Yoruba Tooto’ against Satguru Maharaj Ji.

“Asabe allegedly published that Satguru Maharaj Ji is a ritualist who sells human body parts for money rituals, knowing same to be false.”

Lawal added that the offence was contrary to the provisions of Section 373 and punishable under Sections 376, and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Meanwhile, counsel for the defence, Kemi Fowosola, asked that Dan-Asabe be granted bail in the most liberal term.

The magistrate, Olaolu Olanipekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, adding that one of the sureties must be a relation to the defendant.

Olanipekun, however, adjourned the case till February 22, 2024, for a hearing.

illicit:
Guru na Agba Awo....

Creamypie:
Guru maharaji that year. Damn, he's another Jim Jones, David koresh, Reverend king

abhosts:
Defamation or Libel should be a civil issue not a criminal offence. You cannot say you want your country to be like UK and US but be behaving like North Korea and Russia.

stasius:
Guru Maharaji still dey?

That man don old ooooh.
I remember how scared we use to be as kids then when passing his temple in Enugu. We will cross to the other side of the road and run with speed to pass his temple .