A 23-year-old woman, Junaid Olaide, on Thursday appeared before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo for alleged defamation and blackmail over claims that another woman was HIV-positive.
Olaide, whose address was not provided, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.
The prosecutor, ASP Ojo Adewusi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Aug. 21 at Olokuta Kemta, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
Adewusi alleged that Olaide, a friend of the complainant, Ashabi Adeogun, defamed her by claiming that she was HIV-positive.
He said Olaide introduced Adeogun to a man who conducted an HIV test on her, with the result coming back positive. However, Adeogun disputed the result.
According to the prosecutor, Adeogun photographed the test result and sent it to Olaide, who later allegedly posted it on social media and portrayed her as HIV-positive.
Adewusi said the development prompted Adeogun to undergo a confirmatory test at a hospital, which returned a negative result.
He said the alleged offences contravened Sections 249(d) and 373(2) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.
The Magistrate, R.A. Lawal, granted Olaide bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety who must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary.
Lawal ordered that Olaide be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of her bail conditions.
She adjourned the case until Sept. 13 for hearing.
