A 55-year old man, Ayodele Ajani, on Tuesday, appeared before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly defaming his neighbour.

Ajani, who resides at the Oluwatedo Eyin-Oke Sagbe, new Extension area of Ibadan, is standing trial on a two -count charge of defamation and conduct likely to caused breach of peace.

He was alleged to have defamed his neighbour, one Fabiyi Adewale, by tagging him a ritualist and impotent.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, PC Olapeju Durodola, alleged that the defendant committed the offence on July 22, 2025, by openly calling the complainant a ritualist and an impotent man, with intent to injure and destroy his reputation.

Durodola alleged that the defendant had by his action, conducted himself in a manner likely to caused breach of peace.

The offence contravene the provisions of Section 249 (D) and 375 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

The court adjourned the case until June 30, for hearing.

Section 375 provides that any person found guilty of a defamatory matter knowing same to be false, is liable upon conviction to two years imprisonment. 

(NAN)