Blogger and publisher Gbenga Dan-Asabe, known for Asabe Africa Afrika TV on YouTube, has been brought before the Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, facing a three-count charge that includes conspiracy, defamation, and publishing false news against spiritual leader Satguru Maharaj Ji.
During his appearance in court on Tuesday, the 45-year-old pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which led to his arrest by the police authorities.
The charges against Dan-Asabe involve the accusation of collaborating with others to broadcast defamatory material against Satguru Maharaj Ji. The prosecution counsel, ASP M. O. Lawal, outlined the charges, stating that the defendant, with the intent to injure the spiritual leader’s reputation, unlawfully published defamatory content in ‘Iwe Iroyin Yoruba Tooto,’ claiming that Satguru Maharaj Ji is a ritualist who engages in selling human body parts for money rituals, despite knowing the information to be false.
The prosecution noted that these actions contravene the provisions of Section 373 and are punishable under Sections 376 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
In response, the defense counsel, Kemi Fowosola, requested bail for Dan-Asabe in the most liberal term. The magistrate, Olaolu Olanipekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. Additionally, one of the sureties must be a relation to the defendant. The case has been adjourned until February 22, 2024, for a hearing.
