Justice Faji orders an accelerated trial for four bloggers charged with defaming GTCO, dismisses bail requests, and highlights serious offences.

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ustice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered an expedited trial for four bloggers charged with defaming Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) and its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.

The four accused—Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami—are facing 10 amended charges for allegedly publishing false and defamatory information about the company through various social media platforms.

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At the resumed hearing on the 13th and 14th of November, Justice Faji dismissed the defendants’ bail applications, stressing the serious nature of the alleged offences.

These charges carry potential sentences of up to 14 years in prison. The judge further noted that Precious Eze, one of the accused, had a history of similar offences and was out on bail for another charge when the alleged defamation occurred.

Justice Faji also pointed out the potential destabilising effect such actions could have on the banking sector, particularly given that some of the charges involved cross-border internet activities.

The case has drawn attention due to the gravity of the allegations and the potential harm to GTCO’s reputation, which is subject to oversight by regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The defense counsel, Afolabi Adeniyi, had argued for the defendants to be granted bail on liberal terms, highlighting that the charges were bailable and the accused were willing to face trial.

However, prosecution counsel, Chief Aribisala, SAN, opposed the application, stressing the risk of the defendants absconding and the need for a swift trial.

In his ruling, Justice Faji denied the bail requests and ordered that the trial proceed without delay, underlining the seriousness of the charges.

He also noted that the actions of the defendants challenged the authority of regulatory bodies, including the CBN, which had approved GTCO’s audited financial statements.

The trial is set to continue on the 10th and 12th of December.