The Kaduna state government has filed criminal charges against Abiodun Ogunyemi, bishop of Zaria diocese, Anglican communion, over “defamatory remarks” made against governor Nasir el-Rufai.
The cleric was arraigned before a chief magistrate’s court in Kaduna on charges bordering on criminal defamation, injurious falsehood and criminal intimidation.
The bishop had in a statement in November 2019, claimed El Rufai was being groomed to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 but said he would never be president.
He also criticised the governor over the planned demolition of St George Cathedral in Zaria.
After several interrogations from the police, Ogunyemi was arraigned with the approval of the ministry of justice.
He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
The magistrate has adjourned the case to October 28, 2020.
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