THE AKOGUNS VS CPS AJAKAIYE SAGA: Gov Abdulrazaq’s CPS battles Kwara journalists over corruption allegation

 

CPS Rafiu Ajakaye is intelligent but not ‘too’ smart

By Ayuba Musbau Kawu

Intelligence is one thing, smartness is another thing. These two, people always get confused about. And they usually give both to one who possesses either of the two; especially being intelligent for being smart as well.

In this context, it will be reasonable to conclude that CPS Rafiu Ajakaye is intelligent but not ‘too’ smart, judging from the way he felt for Shoboi’s, Abdulrasheed Akogun, trap.

I came across the screenshots from a whatsapp group called ‘KWARA COMMISSION’ where the argument between CPS Ajakaye and Abdulrasheed Akogun happened.

From their engagement, one could notice an Ajakaye who’s full of pride evidently because of the power in his hands as the CPS to the Governor and unaware of the scrip he was being played for. In the other hand was an Akogun who was fully prepared to go ‘Ogunlowo’s way’, the trap Mr Ajakaye fell for.

As intelligent as Mr Ajakaye is, he could have noticed the ‘avoidable’ well prepared Akogun who was ready to go to ‘Ogun’ (war), if he’s ‘so’ smart. Unfortunately, Mr Ajakaye is only intelligent, but not ‘too’ smart.

Now that this war has started, I may be bold to let Mr Ajakaye know that this is a war he can not win even if he’s adjudged the winner by the court of the competent jurisdiction. And that the Akoguns, now joined by others, have won this war right from inception.

It’s a sure thing that his boss, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, will not be very ‘pleased’ with his appointee, Mr Ajakaye, as a result of what is going at the moment because of the way he handled this.

Wishing our intelligent CPS Rafiu Ajakaye subsequent ‘smart’ outings after this lesson.

*Ayuba (Arc) observes from Ilorin, Kwara State.

 

 My case against the Akoguns – CPS Ajakaiye

The man in the eye of the storm and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Rafiu Ajakaiye has however stated his own side of the story.

According to him, he was defamed by the Akogun brothers on a WhatsApp platform and consequently he sought refuge in the law.

“First, there was no altercation between me and the fellow, Dare Akogun, as someone may have told you. He and his younger brother Shoboi, a politician and blogger, defamed me on a WhatsApp platform. The brother is a member of SDP.

As a citizen, I sought refuge with the law by duly petitioning the police who I’m aware are now investigating the case. The police have since taken my statement, and I keep my faith that the law will judge between us and help us to draw the line between free speech, sheer blackmail and willful defamation.

“I was a journalist with experience nearing two decades in local and international media. Now as a publicist, I do everything within my responsibilities to protect my colleagues. You can ask around in Ilorin. But I don’t think being a journalist offers anyone a licence to become reckless and defame others unfairly. Anyone who knows me knows I like to stick to the law. If they are being detained, as you have mentioned, this possibly happened a few hours ago today (Thursday) as I am on an assignment in Offa (as I write this). I firmly believe that the police are professional enough to know the boundaries of our laws. I trust them to keep the law in their relationship with every member of the public, including the accused and myself, who has had to deal with the trauma of being unfairly lied against on a public platform. I do not agree that anyone should be blackmailed out of a legitimate bid to clear their names within the boundaries allowed by our law”, Ajakaye, submitted.

 Kwara SDP frowns at Akogun’s detention

 

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kwara state condemned Kwara state government and its agents, for what it described as its habitual use of State forces to harass and victimize dissenting voices within the State.

The Party particularly frowned at Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor, for using state powers to detain two journalists in the state.

The two journalists who are blood brothers, are sons of Kunle Akogun, a veteran journalist and the Director of Corporate Affairs of the University of Ilorin. Whilst Abdulrasheed Akogun is the publisher of Fresh Insight News/TV, a platform popular for exposing systemic corruption, Dare Akogun is a reporter with Sobi FM, Ilorin.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Afolabi, said it was disheartening for a journalist like Rafiu Ajakaye to subject fellow journalists like himself to unjust treatment using state power, while reminding him that his appointment has an expiry date.

The statement reads in part, “The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kwara state finds it distasteful to learn of the unnecessary detention of two journalists, incidentally, from the same mother.

“These two journalists who have in no small measure contributed to fighting systemic corruption via their mediums, are prides to the state, their integrity also worthy of emulation, have been unjustly incarcerated.

“We call on the Nigerian police to release them immediately or charge them to court first thing tomorrow morning, as the Akoguns are ready to defend themselves in a competent court of law, we urge the police not to be a political tool in the hands of the inept APC government in the state.

“And for Ajakaye, we use this medium to remind him that his appointment has an expiry date, and Kwarans are waiting to kick-out the inept government he is serving in the forthcoming polls”, it concluded.

 Lukman Mustapha visits Akogun’s family

Alhaji Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha (LOM) and other members of The Rebirth Team visited the family of Abdulrasheed Akogun whose son, Toreeq is celebrating 1 year birthday.

Akogun, missed the birthday celebration as he is being held at the Mandala Correctional Centre pending continuation of the court process on the allegation of defamation by the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

LOM as fondly called by many is the Chairman BOT of Sobi101.9FM who also doubles as the Director Loan & Mortgage Services of Federal Mortgage Bank. Mall. Lukman Mustapha’s visit to the young boy and the family, is to celebrate with the little Tareeq and also give the Akogun family some courage in this trying time.

 

KWARA STATE POLICE COMMAND  PRESS RELEASE (OCTOBER 13, 2022.)

Re: ASKOMP accuses Kwara Police Commissioner of bias against two suspects in a case under investigation

The Kwara state police command in its reaction to the allegation of bias against the Akoguns levelled against it by the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners, ASKOMP, described the allegation as baseless and unfounded, saying the command will always uphold the truth and discharge it’s duty diligently and in line with the global best practices.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, the Command stated as follows:

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to debunk the story contained in an online publication by an online Association called ASKOMP.

The command wishes to state that the report was published mainly to attract an undue and unmerited sympathy of members of the public by the two suspects over an alleged inciting, defamation and cyber bullying case capable of inciting violence in the state, as contained in a petition written by one Rafiu Ajakaiye, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) of the governor of Kwara State.

The case is being investigated by operatives attached to the State Cid of the command. The suspects one Abdbulrasheed Akogun and Dare Akogun were brought before the Commissioner of Police, CP Paul Odama psc (+) where the duo confessed to the authorship of the offensive and criminal accusations against the persons of the Governor and the petitioner in the presence of their lawyers and some members of the press.

The CP made it known to the suspects after interviewing them on the offensive write up which they published on some whatsapp groups and which they confessed to. The CP told the suspects of the seriousness and consequences of their actions, he advised the duo to make peace with the complainant and seek for ways of settling the matter by apologizing to the petitioner since they are all of the same pen profession, and that he would have no option than to charge the two of them to court.

To the chagrin of the CP, the suspects accepted the option of being charged to court, as according to them they have enough evidences against the petitioner to proof their case in court

Meanwhile, the allegation of bias alleged against the Commissioner of Police is baseless, unfounded and opportunistic, the suspects felt they have the instrument of blackmail they could deploy to tarnish the image of the CP which is the social media hence their resolve to go online with the story of bias to curry the sympathy of their readers which has fallen flat on arrival.

Finally, the Command wishes to state that, it would always uphold the truth at all times and discharge it’s duty diligently and in line with global best practices devoid of bias, intimidation and favouritizm, the suspects would however be charged to court tomorrow as investigation into the matter has been concluded.”

 Seun Awogbenle demands immediate release of the Akoguns

Author and Youth Advocate Seun Awogbenle demanded the immediate release of the Akogun brothers.

Awogbenle in a statement on Friday in Lagos, said that the arbitrary arrest and subsequent prosecution of Dare Akogun and his brother Abdulrasheed Akogun over their comment in an open WhatsApp group, as unlawful and repressive.

He said it was unfortunate that the same people who are now bent on demonizing dissent and criminalising free-speech, rode to power on the crest of “misinformation, propaganda and outright falsehood.

“The pageant of nonsense currently playing out in Kwara is mortifying and alarming. The crude use of power to intimidate, oppress and cajole by those in authority, while hiding under the guise of defamation, to bring political opponents to their knees. This action would have been surprising, if it were not that the template is all too familiar.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the right to free speech is a fundamental right that is rooted in our laws. Any attempt to take this right away, in the form of repression, persecution or the arbitrary use of state apparatus to silence criticism and censure, is considered unacceptable.”

Awogbenle said the detention of Dare and Abdulrasheed in handcuffs in a case that is categorized as civil under our laws is a violation of their right to human dignity. He warned those trying to take Nigeria back to the days of yore as in the Military junta, where journalists were unlawfully arrested and detained for doing nothing.

“The case of Dare and Abdulrasheed, is a reminder of the dark days of yore, where journalists were either arrested, detained or even killed for doing nothing. Those who are trying to take us back to those times, must be reminded that the people would resist them”.

He called for the immediate release of the journalists, noting that their arrest would not stand even a simple legal test, “the two journalists must be immediately released without further delay.” He said.

“All those who are involved in this naked abuse of power, must be reminded that their action would come into reckoning either now or later. They will be remembered in ignominy, for fighting the people they swore an oath to protect. The world is watching.” The statement concluded.

 

Defamation: ASKOMP berates Kwara Police CP on attempt to force Akoguns to write apology letter

The Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners, ASKOMP in its reaction berated the the Kwara police boss Paul Odama for allegedly being bias in the case involving Ajakaiye and the Akoguns.

The statement released by the association read thus:

“The Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) berated Kwara state Commissioner of Police, CP Paul Odama over his bias posture in alleged defamation case involving Abdulrasheed Akogun and Dare Akogun.

ASKOMP in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Shola Salihu Taofeek and Secretary, Oyewale Oyelola described the attempt by Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, Mr Paul Odama to force the duo to write apology to petition written by Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State, Rafiu Ajakaye.

The Association noted that defamation case like other cases has process of prosecuting and it must follow thoroughly without undue influence from Kwara State Government led Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

ASKOMP states that the Akoguns are ready for formal prosecution as against shabby tactics of CP Odama to extract apology letter from the duo, forcefully.

“It is disheartening that the Police, who are supposed to maintain neutrality and demonstrate professionalism is already taking side before commencement of the case. The association members in solidarity with Abdulrasheed Akogun and Dare Akogun witnessed the charade and drama at the Police Headquarters in Ilorin on Wednesday.”

ASKOMP therefore calls for immediate release of the duo to allow formal investigation and prosecution of baseless case by Rafiu Ajakaye.

The group also called Inspector General of Police to redeploy CP Odama for incompetent, prejudice and insensitivity as we approach 2023 general elections.”

 

Drama of the arraignment, remand

An Ilorin Magistrate Court, on Friday ordered the remand of two brothers; Dare Akogun and AbdulRasheed Akogun for allegedly defaming and inciting public against the government of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Their arraignment was preceeded by a drama like scenerio with the Correctional Service officers storming the court premises in a commando style, handcuffed the defendants and attempted wheeling them to prison without remand warrant.

However, members of the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) and senior media practitioners  who were on ground, resisted in a peaceful protest saying such process is illegal and a radical display of power.

During the sitting, the prosecutor, Nasir Yusuf, informed the court that the police investigation over the matter is still ongoing and prayed for another date for adjournment.

On the issue of bail, Yusuf prayed the court to grant the applications seeking the remand of the defendants as contained in the motion exparte attached to the police report. He added that the motion is supported by eleven paragraph affidavit.

Magistrate Bio Salihu who presided over the matter however overruled the defendant’s Councel, Barrister Kehinde Eleja SAN from appearing before him.

Eleja argued that the defendants have the right to a legal representation and he(Eleja) has the choice to appear for them stressing that his appearance is backed by law.

The Magistrate, however disagreed, insisting that  according to the Kwara State law, he lack the jurisdiction to hear Eleja on the basis of his being a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The magistrate however granted the prosecutor’s application for remand while the matter is adjourned to 19th of this month.

Earlier, members of the ASKOMP and other journalists who stormed the police headquarters in a peaceful protest against the detention of the defendants, were beaten teargassed, arrested and subsequently charged to court.

Kwara NUJ States position on two detained journalists, efforts to get it resolved

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council is doing all it can to prevail on the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, to withdraw the petition against two of its members, Dare and Abdulrasheed Akogun who were invited, interrogated, arraigned and subsequently remanded at the Mandala Correctional Centre, Ilorin over an allegation of defamation against his principal and his person in their WhatsApp posts on a popular WhatsApp platform.

This was made known in a statement jointly signed by the state chairman and secretary, ‘Lanre Ahmed and Omotayo Ayanda respectively.

The statement read further “Though the issue that triggered the petition to the police and subsequent prosecution in court was painful and most unfortunate, the State Council of NUJ has not rested on its oars in exploring amicable settlement with the ultimate hope that the matter would be permanently laid to rest in no time.

“However, in the spirit of an injury to one is an injury to all, the leadership of the State Council of NUJ took it upon itself, for the past days, to ensure amicable resolution of the issue involving its members, Dare Akogun and his brother, Abdulrasheed Akogun, even though we chose not to make it public, prior.

“The National Secretariat of our Union had been properly briefed about the development and had also waded in.

“The union is using this opportunity to appreciate the State Government for the support given to journalists in the State and promised to sustain the harmonious relationship between the Union and the government.

“Likewise, the Kwara NUJ wishes to clarify that none of its members staged a protest at the Headquarters of the Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin in the early hours of Friday (October 14, 2022) over the detention of the said members of the Union, on the strength of the petition written by CPS to the Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

“While we recognize that it is the exclusive preserve of people, who feel aggrieved to register their displeasure over the decision of the state police command to detain both Dare Akogun and Abdulrasheed Akogun, as constitutionally guaranteed, the public should be aware that no member of the state council of NUJ participated in the protest that allegedly culminated in the dispersal of the protesters.

“The union would want to set record straight that it has, over the years, been enjoying a good working relationship with the state police command and expect that the collaboration is sustained.

Stop harassing journalists – Oba

The special adviser to the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, while commenting on the arrest, arraignment and remand of the Akogun brothers, advised the state’s governor to stop harassing and intimidating journalists.

Oba, who was chairman of the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, cautioned that the recent detention and subsequent remand of two practising journalists in the state are capable of inadvertently preventing them from carrying out their legitimate duties.

Dare Akogun and Abdulrasheed Akogun were both remanded by an Ilorin magistrate court for criminal defamation based on a petition written by the chief press secretary to the Kwara state government, Rafiu Ajakaye.

One, who is also the former chief press secretary to former governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, lamented that media professionals working in Kwara are becoming endangered species in the course of carrying out their constitutional responsibilities simply because the governor is getting frustrated by the day as a result of looming defeat in the coming 2023 general election.

“AbdulRahman has just lost his SSA Rural Mobilisation, Comrade Musbau Esinrogunjo to the PDP, even as hundreds of APC members in his Adewole ward abandoned him for the opposition party. These explain why the governor may be frustrated to act irrationally”, Oba said.

Oba called on the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to demand the immediate release of the two journalists or henceforth boycott activities of the state government.

“All forms of harassment of journalists are not only barbaric but existential threats to our thriving democracy”, he said.

ENetSud Coordinator, Dr Alagbonsi sues Kwara Commissioner, Bode Towoju, Gov AbdulRazaq’s Aide

The Coordinator of Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSud), Dr Abdullateef Alagbonsi has filed a case of defamation against Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Hon Bode Towoju and Special Assistant on New Media to Kwara State Government, Fafoluyi Olayinka Michael.

The duo reportedly described Alagbosi as a terrorist and Nnamdi Kanu of Kwara during a live TV show on KwaraTV.

This coming few days after the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye writes petition to Police to investigate defamatory statement against Fresh Insight Publisher, Abdulrasheed Shoboi Akogun and Dare Akogun of Sobi FM.

The Akogun brothers were charged on Friday at Ilorin Magistrate Court and have since been remanded at Mandala Correctional Centre.