The traditional ruler of Otumara community, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye has said the law should take its course regarding a libelous publication against him.

He spoke to The Guardian following the remanding of some people who published defamatory publication against the traditional ruler at Ikoyi Correctional Centre by the magistrates’ court in Apapa, Lagos, over alleged false, defamatory and malicious reports.

The Chief Magistrate, Olanrewaju Olatunji, ordered the remand of the three suspects, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The defendants are standing trial for defamation of character and peddling of fake news against Kalejaiye, an offence punishable under section 95 (1) (b) of the criminal law of Lagos State of 2015.

In separate online publications, the suspects, on April 9, 2023, published defamatory reports in the Society Reporters and circulated same in Nairaland, Aljaziran press, and Newsbreak Naija, among other news platforms, under the headline, “Concerned Staff of National Theatre petition ICPC to wade into corrupt activities of top director, Femi Joel, and his co-conspirators.”

The prosecutor, Mike Enejere, told the court that the offences were committed on April 9, 2023, at the National Theatre, Lagos.

The charge reads, “That you, Sunday Adebayo ‘M’, Shaibu Husseni ‘M’, and Ephesian Nodza ‘M, on or about April 9, 2023, at the National Theatre, Lagos, within the magisterial jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired amongst yourselves to bring false accusations against the person of a traditional ruler of the Otumara community, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, knowing full well that he is innocent of the alleged offence. You hereby committed an offence punishable under Section 95 (1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of 2015.”

They were also accused of publishing information likely to provoke Kalejaiye, knowing the same to be incorrect and so committed an offence punishable under Section 57(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of 2015.”

The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties residing within the jurisdiction.

The sureties, the magistrate ordered, must be gainfully employed and in grade 14 of the Federal or State Ministry but not the Ministry of Education and Information, who must possess landed property and not be related by blood.

The court adjourned until December 14 for the commencement of trial.