ASKOMP Decries Harassment Of Journalists, Condemns Lawsuits By Kwara Water Resources Commissioner

Ilorin,  Kwara State– The Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) has expressed solidarity with the publisher of NupekoTV, Mr. Tauheed Mohammed, who is currently facing multiple court cases over alleged defamation of character filed by the Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Lade.

In a statement issued on Friday, ASKOMP Chairman Salihu Shola Taofeek disclosed that the association is making efforts with others to secure the release of Mr. Mohammed, who was remanded at Oke Kura Correctional Centre, Ilorin, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, following criminal charges filed by the commissioner.

Taofeek noted that the remand came despite an ongoing civil case instituted by the same complainant, who is seeking N10 million in damages over a story published by NupekoTV in September 2024.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism, objective reporting, and international best practices in journalism.

The statement read, “The Association Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) stand in solidarity with the Publisher of NupekoTV, Tauheed Mohammed who is facing multiple court cases on alleged defamation of character filed by Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Usman Lade.

“ASKOMP in a statement issued on Friday by their Chairman, Salihu Shola Taofeek hinted that the Association is currently mediating to secure freedom of Mr Tauheed Mohammed.

“The Publisher of NupekoTV, Tauheed Mohammed was remanded in Oke Kura Correctional Centre, Ilorin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 following criminal charges by the aggrieved Kwara Commissioner in spite of the ongoing civil case by the same complainant.

“ASKOMP while acknowledging the right of any aggrieved citizen to approach court to seek redress as earlier done by Hon Usman Lade where is seeking N10million compensation over story published by NupekoTV in September 2024, however expressed displeasure over the fresh criminal charges filed by the Commissioner.

“ASKOMP maintains its position by condemning systematic attempt of highly placed individuals to intimidate and harass journalists by using the defamation law. It’s unfortunate that the honourable Commissioner filed both civil and criminal charges against NupekoTV Publisher simultaneously. The Association is currently engaging parties involved to facilitate prompt and amicable resolution.”

“The Chairman said the association will continue to promote professionalism, objective reporting and international best practices.

“The Association demands for the repel of that section of the law, which is being weaponised to criminalise the practice of journalism,” ASKOMP adde.

Afrika Eyes had reported that Ilorin Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of Tauheed Baruwa Muhammed, a journalist and publisher of NUPEKOTV-Lafiagi, following a social media post alleging financial misconduct and lack of accountability by the Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Usman Yunusa Lade.

The court, sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday, directed that Muhammed be kept in prison custody pending the hearing of his bail application.

The journalist was arraigned after Commissioner Lade filed a criminal complaint, claiming the Facebook post was defamatory and designed to damage his reputation.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, the magistrate instructed the defendant’s counsel, Lere Abdul, to file a formal written application for bail and adjourned the matter until October 20, 2025, for hearing.

According to court documents, the complaint accuses Muhammed of publishing and circulating a report titled “Hon Usman Lade, Kwara Comm. for Water Resources Under Fire for Mismanagement and Neglect” on July 28, 2024.

Lade’s counsel alleged that the publication falsely accused the commissioner of embezzlement, mismanagement, and incompetence in office.

The commissioner described the post as “malicious and baseless,” claiming it was aimed at tarnishing his image and misleading the public.

The suit also states that Muhammed’s Facebook page, with more than 27,000 followers, amplified the story across other social media platforms and WhatsApp groups, causing “maximum reputational damage.”

Meanwhile, residents of Lade community in Patigi Local Government Area — the commissioner’s hometown — have accused the Kwara State Government of using law enforcement agencies and the courts to intimidate journalists and activists who demand accountability.