By Milcah Tanimu

Gbenga Dan-Asabe, a blogger and publisher of Asabe Africa Afrika TV on YouTube, appeared before the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, facing charges of conspiracy, defamation, and publishing false news against Satguru Maharaj Ji. The 45-year-old blogger pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the prosecution counsel, ASP M. O. Lawal, Dan-Asabe allegedly conspired with others to broadcast defamatory content with the intent to injure the reputation of Satguru Maharaj Ji and expose him to hatred. The defamatory material was said to have been published in ‘Iwe Iroyin Yoruba Tooto.’

Lawal stated that the alleged offenses contravene Section 373 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000, and are punishable under Sections 376 and 516.

The defense counsel, Kemi Fowosola, requested bail for Dan-Asabe in the most liberal terms. The magistrate, Mr. Olaolu Olanipekun, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a relative of the defendant.