Here is a comprehensive report on Satguru Maharaj’s defamation case, providing an overview of the case, a step-by-step description of events leading up to the current stage, and potential implications for parties involved.
BACKGROUND
Satguru Maharaj Ji is a renowned spiritual leader in Nigeria and overseas who was allegedly defamed in a series of interviews given by Prophet Elewuogbo and published by Gbenga Dan Asabe among many others on his YouTube channel and in a “Yoruba Tooto” Newspaper in 2022 and 2023.
ARRESTS
The Criminal defamation case against Prophet Elewuogbo and Gbenga Dan Asabe has seen significant progress since the duo’s defamatory interviews in 2022 and 2023.
Following Satguru Maharaj Ji’s legal team’s efforts, following a police discreet investigation, the suspects were arrested in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS
During the investigation at the police station, Prophet Elewuogbo voluntarily confessed that his statements in the interviews and publications were fabricated and without basis in fact he admitted that he had founded his own church and intended to use Staguru Maharaj Ji’s fame to gain notoriety for himself and his church. This confesion provided significant evidence supporting the prosecution’s case.
ARRAIGNMENTS
They were subsequently arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Courts in Oyo State, Nigeria. The charges were Consolidated, with the charges Consolidated, the trial commenced on April 30th, 2024.
TRIAL PROCEEDINGS
During the trial, the prosecution attempted to tender a Certificate of Compliance and a flash drive containing the defamatory publications as evidence. The defendants’ counsel objected to the admissibility of these documents, leading to an adjournment of the ruling until May 8th, 2024.
The Chief Magistrate Court ruled in favor of the prosecution on May 14th, admitting the tendered documents into evidence. The hearing was adjourned until June 19th for the continuation of proceedings.
Satguru Maharaj Ji’s legal team expressed satisfaction with the progress of the case, stating that justice would be served in due course.
The case highlights the gravity of defamatory statements in the media and the need for caution when making public statements about others.
It also serves as a warning to all to be mindful of the consequences of their actions.
