SWAT Drags Monarch, Accomplice To Court Over Alleged Defamation of Character, Contempt of Court

BY PAUL IYOGHOJIE

Operatives of the Special Weapons And Tactical, SWAT of the Nigerian Police Force at Adeniji Adele area of Lagos, have arrested the traditional ruler of Selewu Oremala Community in Igbogbo Area of Ikorodu, Lagos, Chief Olusola Olugbade, 49, and his alleged accomplice, Sanni Yusuf.

The two suspects were dragged before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly posting a defamatory and damaging story against one Otunba Kazeem Sikiru Kalejaiye, threat to his life and contempt of Court.

Police alleged that trouble started for the defendants when the complainant, Kalejaiye petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP claiming that Olugbade and Yusuf forged the signature of their late father and using it to sell his landed property.

He further told the Police that when he secured a judgement from a higher court restraining the defendants and others from further selling his late father’s landed property, the defendants posted a defamatory and damaging story against him on the social media that the Court judgement secured from the High Court was fake and calling him unprintable name and advising the public to disregard the judgement. In the process, they tarnished his (Kalejaiye) reputation and integrity in the public glare, knowing full well that the publication was false and the court judgement was genuine.

Police further alleged that following the petition, IGP referred the case to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP incharged of the Special Weapons and Tactical, SWAT Command at Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island for thorough investigation.

After investigation by Inspector Odesina Olufemi and his team, the defendants were charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island on a four count charge bordering on Conspiracy, Cyberbulling, defamation of character and contempt of court.

Police Prosecuting Counsel, ASP Reuben Solomon informed the Court in the charge Marked A/20/2026 that the defendants intentionally posted the defamatory and damaging story against the Complainant to drag his name in the mud and to tarnish his name in the public knowing full well that the publications was false and that the Court judgement was genuine and not fake as alleged.

Solomon further informed the Court that despite the Court ruling, the defendants and others at large still continue to sell parts of the land in dispute leading to their arrest.

He said the offences, the defendants committed were contrary to and punishable under sections 411,24(2), 373 and 104 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants, however pleaded not guilty to the charges and Chief Magistrate, O.O Olatunji granted them bail in the sum of N3 million each with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case till 20 May, 2026 for mention.