Nigerian musician, Johnson Oyindamola, also known as Dammy Krane, was on Monday granted N50,000 bail by Igbosere Magistrate’ court over allegedly posting a defamatory message on the internet about Merrybet Gold Ltd.
Oyindamola, 27, had been arraigned on a three-count charge of threat to life, defamation and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. The artiste pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Insp. J. I. Enang, told the court that the defendant committed the offences with some others still at large on July 29 at Cool FM in Lagos.
Enang said the defendant posted a video on the internet accusing the sport betting company of owing him.
He alleged that the defendant attended a game show sponsored by the company, but lost.
Enang said, “The defendant, however demanded some money for appearing on the show, the firm disagreed, insisting that the sum was only for the winners.
“The musician subsequently breached a contractual agreement with the firm.
“He also conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by posting an audio and a video message on Cool FM 96.9.”
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 168 (d), 301 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Adebayo Oniyelu, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.
Oniyelu added “We humbly apply for the bail of the defendant. Section 35 (5) states that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“He is a popular musician, if granted bail, he will not jump bail, meanwhile he has been in police custody since Sept. 13.”
The Magistrate, Mrs Folashade Botoku, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum. The case is adjourned until October 11, 2019.
By Tobi Olusola
