The Editor of Osun Spring newspaper, Adesola Isola, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Osogbo by the Nigeria Police Force *for publishing false and malicious information* against the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.
The police charged Isola in case number MOS/498/2025: Commissioner of Police vs. Adesola Isola, following the newspaper’s edition of August 1–15, 2025 (Vol. 1 No. 15). The publication, which appeared on page 4 under the headline “Osun 2026: We will rig Adeleke out using Police, INEC – Oyetola”, falsely claimed that the Minister had entered into an alleged pact with the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate the forthcoming 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
The report has since been described as false, mischievous, and fabricated. *The Honourable Minister has never, at any time or place, uttered such reckless or treacherous words ascribed to him.* Stakeholders across Osun State have also condemned the publication, noting that such baseless propaganda not only maligns the Minister’s towering reputation but also attempts to sow distrust among the public and drag respected national institutions into disrepute.
During today’s proceedings before Magistrate Dr. A. O. Ayilara of Magistrate Court 1, Osogbo, the defendant pleaded not guilty. He was subsequently granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with one surety in like sum.
The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday, September 2, 2025 for further hearing.
The arraignment underscores growing concerns over reckless journalism and the spread of disinformation in the state. Observers have urged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards and resist the temptation of peddling unfounded claims capable of undermining public confidence in democratic institutions.