An Upper Area Court sitting in Ganmo, Kwara State, on Monday ordered the remand of popular Islamic preacher and school proprietor, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin.
The ruling was over a defamation case brought against her by fellow cleric, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold.
The case, which has drawn public attention due to the prominence of both parties in Islamic circles, centres on allegations that Alhaja Kaola defamed Akewugbagold through public statements.
During proceedings, Kaola’s legal counsel urged the court to grant her bail on self-recognition, citing her religious and societal standing and assuring the court she would not jump bail.
However, opposing the application, the plaintiff’s counsel, Ajasa Ademola, argued that the defendant had a history of similar conduct and should not be granted such leniency.
Ajasa presented video evidence showing Kaola allegedly ridiculing a judge and legal practitioners in a previous case, stating that her actions amounted to contempt and disqualified her from being granted bail under existing legal principles.
The presiding judge, after hearing arguments from both sides, ruled that Alhaja Kaola be remanded in prison custody until the next hearing date, which was fixed for July 17, 2025.
This case recalls a similar defamation-related detention in 2023 when social media personality and traditionalist Abdulazeez Adegbola, also known as Tani Olohun, was remanded for allegedly defaming the Emir of Ilorin and other Islamic figures.
October 12, 2023, SaharaReporters reported that Adegbola Abdulazeez, an Isese (indigenous religion) practitioner and activist, also known as Tani Olohun has tendered an apology to Muslims, Islamic clerics and the sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate for his actions.
The letter of apology obtained by SaharaReporters was written on Tani Olohun’s behalf by one of his lawyers, Muftau Olufela Olobi.