Defamation: Kwara Police CP Admits ASKOMP Allegations As Members Call for Fair Hearing

...Escalates Issue To International Press Centre

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Paul Odama has confirmed allegations levelled against him by Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP).

The Police Public Relations Officer of Kwara Police Command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi in a statement issued on Friday said CP Odama only try to make peace by asking Abdulrasheed Akogun and Dare Akogun to write apology letter with the view of settling defamation allegation raised by Chief Press Secretary to Kwara Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

According to him, the case is being investigated by operatives attached to the State Cid of the command. The suspects one Abdbulrasheed Akogun and Dare Akogun were brought before the Commissioner of Police, CP Paul Odama psc(+) where the duo confessed to the authorship of the offensive and criminal accusations against the persons of the Governor and the petitioner in the presence of their lawyers and some members of the press.

"The CP made it known to the suspects after interviewing them on the offensive write up which they published on some whatsapp groups and which they confessed to. The CP told the suspects of the seriousness and consequences of their actions, he advised the duo to make peace with the complainant and seek for ways of settling the matter by apologizing to the petitioner since they are all of the same pen profession, and that he would have no option than to charge the two of them to court." Okasanmi added.

"To the chagrin of the CP, the suspects accepted the option of being charged to court, as according to them they have enough evidences against the petitioner to proof their case in court"

Meanwhile, the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) has called for fair hearing in the defamation case against Fresh Insight Publisher, AbdulRasheed Akogun and Dare Akogun of Sobi FM.

ASKOMP in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Shola Salihu Taofeek and Secretary, Oyewale Oyelola says the issue will be escalated to International Press Centre and Media Rights Agenda for necessary action and support.