Former Federal Lawmaker Mashood Mustapha Arraigned Over Defamation Suit Filed By Kwara Governor AbdulRazaq

Ilorin, Kwara State- A former lawmaker and prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Hon. Mashood Mustapha, on Monday, made his first appearance before a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin following a defamation lawsuit filed against him by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The legal action stems from public statements made by Mustapha in which he criticized the governor over the controversial demolition of his property in Ilorin.

According to Mustapha, bulldozers moved in and completely leveled the building just three hours after tenants were served an eviction notice — a move he described as inhumane and politically motivated.

Hon. Mashood Mustapha who holds the esteemed traditional title of Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate was represented by a Legal Team headed by Prof. Kayode Olatoke.

The other distinguished members of his Legal team include Mr Emeka Etiaba, SAN; Mr Jimoh Adebimpe Abdulmumini, SAN; Mr George Ibrahim, SAN; Mr Lanre Abdul, ESQ; and Sadiq Abdulbaki, ESQ.

On the other hand, Mr Bolakale Mustapha who was charged for releasing and uploading MM’s video reaction to the demolition of his property by the Kwara State Government, was legally represented by Mr Moses Ebute, SAN; Mr Tafa Ahmed, ESQ; and Mr David James, ESQ.

It will be recalled that on 6th October 2024, the Kwara State Government sealed off the roads leading to Crystal Place, a thriving commercial hub owned by Hon. Mashood Mustapha, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and deployed bulldozers to completely demolish the property after the expiration of a 3-hour notice given to the tenants.

In reaction to the demolition of his multi-billion naira property which according to him was built after obtaining all the necessary approvals from the Kwara State Government, MM alleged in a video uploaded on the night of the demolition that the government was out to destroy all his investments in the State owing to the political differences between him and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. MM went ahead to vent his anger like every property owner would do when their investment is destroyed based on political vendetta.

Enraged by the effrontery of MM to condemn the demolition of his property located on Ahmadu Bello Way, the Kwara State Government filed a defamation suit against him at the Kwara State High Court.

After hearing initial arguments from both sides, Justice Abdulgafar granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million each, with one surety in like sum.

However, both men met their bail conditions and were released without incident.

The case has been adjourned to July 18, 2025, for further proceedings.