Two members of the Faith and Miracle International Church in Ibadan, Tofunmi Oluwaseun, 21, and Ibikunle Akanbi, 46, were arraigned at the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on allegations of defamation. The duo is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, defamation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Adeshina Folaranmi, the defendants committed the offences on October 2, 2025, at about 1:21 p.m., at Awotan, Ibadan. He told the court that the accused persons published defamatory statements on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook against their pastor, Gbemiga David, with the intent to tarnish his image and that of the church.
Folaranmi further alleged that the defendants called their pastor a “mad man” and claimed that people used to die in his church, actions the prosecution claimed were likely to cause public unrest.
The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 516, 375, and 249(d) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000. However, both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and their counsels appealed for bail to be granted on liberal terms.
Presiding Magistrate Oluwabusayo Osho granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case until January 29, 2026, for hearing.
