BREAKING: Court Dismisses Kwara Government’s Defamation Suit Against Journalist, Activists Over Jurisdiction, Abuse Of Process

Ilorin, Kwara State– The Kwara State Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin has struck out the defamation and cyberstalking case filed against Afrika Eyes publisher and investigative journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, along with two activists — Comrade Saliu Bolakale and Saidu Musa — after the state government was accused of attempting to abuse court processes by seeking an adjournment despite having filed the same case at the State High Court.

The prosecutor representing the Kwara State Government, Supo Mathew, on Monday, urged Magistrate Jimada to adjourn the matter for further hearing, even though the magistrate court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain and determine the allegations against the defendants.

Reacting to the prosecutor’s submission, counsel to the defendants, Taofiq Olateju, argued that the prosecution’s actions amounted to a clear case of abuse of court processes.

He reminded the court that an earlier application had been made under Section 302 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Kwara State, 2018, compelling the Attorney General and/or the Commissioner of Police to appear before the court and show cause why the charges should not be dismissed.

Olateju stressed that it was wrong for the government to duplicate charges in two different courts simultaneously, describing the move as an attempt to intimidate and frustrate the defendants.

After listening to the arguments, Magistrate Jimada agreed with the defence counsel and ruled that since the same case had already been filed before the Kwara State High Court, the magistrate court could no longer entertain it.

However, he consequently struck out the case, citing lack of jurisdiction and the need to avoid duplication of proceedings.

Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Olateju commended Magistrate Jimada for his courage and commitment to upholding justice despite political pressure.

He accused the Kwara State Government of wasting taxpayers’ money on frivolous and vindictive cases meant to silence journalists and human rights activists.

Olateju praised the court for standing on the side of justice and fairness, describing the ruling as a victory for press freedom and the rule of law.

He further expressed hope that the government would learn from the outcome and desist from using state resources to persecute citizens who hold dissenting views.

“We appreciate the court for its uprightness and pray that God continues to strengthen Magistrate Jimada for allowing justice to prevail,” Olateju said.

Meanwhile, on July 22, 2025, the authorities in Kwara State have intensified their clampdown on dissenting voices as the state police command has arrested and detained an investigative journalist and two civic activists for condemning a violent attack on peaceful protesters in Ilorin.

It was gathered that journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, along with two activists, including Musa Saidu Tsaragi, are currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kwara State Police Command Headquarters in Ilorin.

The trio was detained after honouring a police invitation on Tuesday.

Afrika Eyes learnt that the journalist and the activists were detained after the Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Social Investment, Sadiq Buhari, filed charges against them for alleged defamation and cybercrime.

This move is an attempt to punish them for speaking out against the government-backed assault on protesters.