By Ayodele Popoola

Two men have been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defaming Akogun Olugbenga Omole, an All Progressives Congress chieftain and former Special Adviser to the Governor of Ondo State on Transportation.

The defendants, Daudu Emmanuel, 51 and Garuba Adeola, 50, were brought to court by police on a two-count charge of conspiracy and defamation.

Police prosecutor, Suliaman Adebayo told the court that the defendants and others at large committed the offence on April 14, 2025 at about 12:30 pm in the Ondo Magisterial District.

Adebayo alleged that the defendants conspired to damage the reputation of Akogun Olugbenga Omole, by falsely accusing him of forging the signatures of APC executives in Ward 4, Oka-Akoko, Akoko South- West area of the state.

According to the prosecutor, the defendants’ actions have subjected the complainant to hatred, contempt and ridicule within the party.

The offences committed, according to the charge, are punishable under Sections 517 and 357 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State,2006.

However, Emmanuel and Adeola pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Following their not-guilty plea, the prosecutor asked for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants till the determination of the charge.

However, the defendants’ lawyer, Bode Akinyemi urged the court to admit his clients to bail in the most liberal terms, saying the offence which the defendants were charged are bailable.

The prosecutor but urged the court to use its discretion in granting the bail applications.

Consequently, Magistrate T.I Ayodele James, in her ruling on the bail applications, admitted each of the defendant to bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate also ordered that the sureties must be civil servants of level in 16 the Ondo State Civil Service.

She adjourned the case till May 15 for hearing.

The defendants, who were unable to meet their bail requirements, were remanded in Olokuta Correction centre.