A Nigerian court has adjourned a defamation trial involving a Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) staff member to 17 November, when final addresses from both parties will be heard.
The defendant, Abraham Joseph, is standing trial before the Iwo Road Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on charges of conspiracy, public disorder and defamation against former FRIN Director-General, Professor Olushola Adepoju.
The adjournment followed testimony from Joseph’s final witness, Mr Adewoye Austin, vice chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutes. Defence counsel Mr Adekoya Adebayo closed his case after leading Austin in evidence.
Austin testified that Joseph had been among union representatives tasked with briefing the press on disputes over salary deductions and promotions during Adepoju’s tenure. He claimed Joseph was unfairly targeted by FRIN management, which issued him a query, transferred him, and later dismissed him for speaking to journalists. According to Austin, Joseph was eventually reinstated after a board inquiry found him innocent.
When questioned by prosecution counsel Mrs Aminat Muhammad-Akinola, Austin admitted that civil service regulations require staff to obtain permission before engaging with the media. He also acknowledged that Adepoju’s name was not directly tied to the delayed remittance of staff deductions, though the payments were eventually made.
Prosecutors allege Joseph collaborated with Sahara Reporters and others to circulate a defamatory article in June 2021, accusing Adepoju of misconduct. They argue the publication was intended to tarnish his reputation and disrupt peace within the institute.
The offences are said to contravene provisions of the Oyo State Criminal Code.
