By Palang Paul
The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has granted bail to investigative journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed and two activists, Saliu Bolakale and Saidu Musa Tsaragi, in the sum of ₦2 million each.
The trio were arraigned on Thursday on charges bordering on criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
They appeared voluntarily before the court and were represented by their counsel, Taofiq Olateju, who moved an application for bail shortly after their arraignment.
In his ruling, Justice Umar Zikki Jubril granted bail on what he described as liberal terms, despite strong opposition from the Kwara State Government. The court held that granting bail was in the interest of justice, noting that the defendants had shown willingness to face trial.
Each defendant is required to enter a bond of ₦2 million and provide two credible sureties with verifiable addresses within the court’s jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned to July 7, 2026, for further hearing.
The charges are reportedly linked to the defendants’ public condemnation of a violent attack on peaceful protesters in Ilorin.
In an earlier development on December 10, 2025, the High Court dismissed an application for a bench warrant filed by the Director of Public Prosecution on behalf of Abubakar Sadiq Buhari, Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Social Investment. The prosecution had argued that the defendants failed to appear in court.
However, the defence challenged the claim, stating that the charge served lacked essential details, including the court name, suit number, and hearing date. Justice Jubril ruled that the service was defective and that the defendants could not reasonably be expected to appear without proper notice.
Earlier still, on October 13, 2025, a Magistrate Court in Ilorin struck out a similar case, citing lack of jurisdiction since the matter was already before the High Court.
Reacting to the latest ruling, defence counsel Taofiq Olateju described the prosecution’s actions as an abuse of court process, accusing the state government of attempting to intimidate the defendants through multiple filings. He commended the judiciary for upholding justice and fairness, describing the decision as a win for press freedom and the rule of law.
The case continues to draw public attention amid growing concerns over the safety and protection of journalists and activists in the state.
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