A blogger, Gbenga Dan-Asabe, on Tuesday, appeared before the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly disseminating defaming content against Satguru Maharaj Ji.

The 45-year-old publisher of the Asabe Africa Afrika TV on YouTube, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

Police authority had arrested Dan-Asabe on a three-count of conspiracy, defamation and publishing false news against Maharaj Ji.

Prosecution counsel, ASP M. O. Lawal, told the court that Dan-Asabe allegedly connived with others to broadcast the defamatory material.

“The defendant with intent to injure the reputation and expose him to hatred was alleged to have unlawfully published the defamatory matter in ‘Iwe Iroyin Yoruba Tooto’ against Satguru Maharaj Ji.

“Asabe allegedly published that Satguru Maharaj Ji is a ritualist who sells human body parts for money rituals, knowing same to be false,” he said.

Lawal added that the offence was contrary to the provisions of Section 373 and punishable under Sections 376, and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Meanwhile, counsel for the defence, Kemi Fowosola, asked that Dan-Asabe be granted bail in the most liberal term.

The magistrate, Mr Olaolu Olanipekun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, adding that one of the sureties must be a relation to the defendant.

Olanipekun however adjourned the case till February 22, 2024 for hearing.