The Osun State Police Command on Wednesday arraigned a 42-year-old man, Adebisi Benjamin, before a Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, over alleged defamatory publications on social media against the Osun State University, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and a senior academic of the institution, Professor Amos Popoola.
The case, titled Commissioner of Police vs Adebisi Benjamin, was heard at the Magistrate Court in Osogbo on a four-count charge bordering on alleged defamation and related offences.
Police prosecutor, Elisha Olusegun, informed the court that the defendant, who operates a Facebook account under the name “Benjamin Adebisi,” allegedly published defamatory statements between February 8 and March 2026 across various social media platforms, including Facebook, in a manner capable of injuring the reputation of the Osun State University, the Vice-Chancellor and Professor Popoola, exposing him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule.
The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant made additional posts targeting Professor Amos Popoola, including statements suggesting questionable professional conduct. He added that the defendant allegedly presented himself as a lecturer of the University in a manner likely to mislead members of the public.
Elisha told the court that the alleged offences are contrary to Section 373 and punishable under Sections 375, 484, and 249(d) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.
The defendant, said to be a former staff member of the University, pleaded not guilty to the four counts preferred against him.
Defence counsel, Tunbosun Oladipupo, applied for bail in liberal terms, citing Section 36(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and arguing that the charges remain allegations until proven otherwise.
The prosecution opposed the bail application, arguing that the defendant was initially difficult to apprehend and was eventually arrested in Akure, Ondo State, following electronic tracking.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, Olusegun Ayilara, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦5 million with two sureties. The court directed that one surety must be a resident of Osogbo with valid documentation, while the second must be a blood relative of the defendant. The Magistrate also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport with the court.
The defendant being unable to meet the bail conditions has been transferred to Ilesa Correctional Centre while the matter was adjourned until April 14, 2026, for mention.
Reacting to the development, the management of Osun State University reaffirmed its commitment to due process, institutional integrity, and the protection of its officers from reputational harm through unlawful publications.
The University stated that Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye and Professor Amos Popoola have continued to discharge their duties with professionalism and dedication, adding that the institution remains focused on its core mandates of teaching, research, and community service.
The management urged members of the public to rely on verified information from credible sources and to allow the court to determine the matter in accordance with the law.
