In a case that underscores the serious legal consequences of making false accusations, a 45-year-old man, Morufu Oladokun, was arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The charges, filed by the police, go beyond a simple lie, painting a picture of a potentially orchestrated campaign against another individual.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to a four-count charge comprising conspiracy, false statement, threat to life, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. According to the prosecution, led by Inspector Elisha Tellang, the offences occurred in October in the Akobo area of Ibadan. The core allegation is that Oladokun, along with others still at large, deliberately provided a false statement to law enforcement, accusing one Olufemi Ayoola of being a kidnapper and ritualist—labels that carry severe social stigma and danger in Nigeria.
This case is not merely about lying; it’s about the weaponization of information. The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant threatened Ayoola’s life and physically prevented him from accessing his own land. This suggests the false report may have been part of a broader pattern of intimidation, possibly related to a land dispute or personal vendetta, a context often seen in such matters but not detailed in the original report.
Understanding the Legal Framework:
The charges are grounded in specific sections of the Oyo State Criminal Law (2000):
- Sections 86 & 249(d): Typically address conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and unlawful threats. These laws aim to prevent actions that could incite public disorder or instill fear.
- Section 192: Directly deals with giving false information to a public servant. The gravity increases when the falsehood is aimed at triggering a criminal investigation against an innocent person, as allegedly happened here.
- Section 516: Pertains to conspiracy, indicating the prosecution believes the act was planned with others.
A conviction on such charges can result in significant fines or imprisonment, serving as a deterrent against using the police as a tool for personal grievances.
Magistrate Mrs. Moyosore Atanda granted Oladokun bail set at N500,000 with two sureties required to pledge the same amount. This bail condition, while allowing the defendant temporary freedom, is designed to ensure his return for trial. The case was adjourned until January 28, 2026, a typical step to allow both the prosecution and the defense time to prepare their arguments and evidence.
This arraignment highlights a critical issue in the justice system: the balance between encouraging citizens to report crimes and punishing those who maliciously abuse the process. False accusations not only waste police resources but can ruin lives, damage reputations irreparably, and, as seen in the threat allegations, escalate into direct conflict. The court’s proceedings will now focus on determining whether the prosecution can prove these serious allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Reported by Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Edited by Sandra Umeh.
