Alleged Defamation: Court Rejects Kwara Govt’s Plea To Remand Moshood Mustapha, Brother, Grants Accused N5m Bail *** Thousands Storm Court To support MM *** Battery of legal heavyweights appear for Accused 

By Omowumi Omotosho

The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Monday granted bail to former federal lawmaker, Honourable Moshood Mustapha, and his cousin, Bolakale Mustapha, in the sum of N5 million, along with one surety in like sum, in a defamation case filed by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Mr. Fafoluyi Olayinka Solace, on behalf of the Kwara State Government.

Presiding over the case, Honourable Justice Mohammed Abdulgafar ruled that the sureties must be deemed acceptable by the court. The matter, which has drawn significant public and political attention, has been adjourned to July 18, 2025, for further hearing.

Hon. Mustapha stepping out of the courtroom 

Hon. Mustapha’s defence team addressing the press

Inside courtroom 

massive crowd of supporters in solidarity with Mustapha 

The court premises were filled to capacity with a large crowd of supporters, numbering in the thousands who thronged the venue in a show of solidarity with Mustapha. The high-profile nature of the case was further highlighted by the presence of over 30 lawyers, including five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), representing the defence teams.

Leading the prosecuting counsel, Kwara State Director of Public Prosecution, Barrister Ayoola Akande, argued that the five counts charges of criminal defamation, conspiracy, and incitement, were severe and non-bailable. He urged the court to remand the defendants at the Correctional Center pending the determination of the suit.

However, in a counter-argument, Barrister Moses Ebuke (SAN) who represented the defending Council, maintained that the charges were not capital in nature and therefore bailable. He emphasized that the defendants posed no flight risk and had demonstrated readiness to stand trial.

Justice Abdulgafar, in his ruling, held that the offences were indeed bailable under Nigerian law, and granted bail accordingly.

The case stems from allegations brought by Governor AbdulRazaq against Hon. Mustapha and his cousin, accusing them of engaging in acts of defamation, incitement, and conspiracy, a claim the defence team strongly denies.

The next hearing is expected to attract continued public and legal interest as proceedings unfold.All