Appearing in court on Tuesday, the 45-year-old blogger pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The police authorities had arrested Dan-Asabe on a three-count charge related to collaborating with others in broadcasting defamatory content against Maharaj Ji.

According to ASP M. O. Lawal, the prosecution counsel, Dan-Asabe is accused of intentionally injuring the reputation of Maharaj Ji and exposing him to hatred by unlawfully publishing defamatory material in 'Iwe Iroyin Yoruba Tooto' against the spiritual leader. The content in question alleged that Maharaj Ji is a ritualist involved in selling human body parts for money rituals, claims deemed false by the prosecution.

Lawal outlined the charges, stating that the offence is contrary to the provisions of Section 373 and is punishable under Sections 376 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

In response, Kemi Fowosola, counsel for the defence, requested that Dan-Asabe be granted bail in the most liberal terms. The magistrate, Olaolu Olanipekun, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum. Notably, one of the sureties must be a relation to Dan-Asabe.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case underscores the complexities surrounding freedom of expression in the digital age and the legal ramifications for those who cross the line into defamation.