On June 30, 2025, an Upper Area Court in Ganmo, Kwara State, ordered the remand of a female Islamic scholar, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin, the State capital, over a case of alleged defamation brought against her by an Islamic preacher, Alfa Taofeek Akeugbagold.
According to reports, Alfa Akeugbagold dragged Alhaja Kaola, who is also the proprietor of a school, before the court, accusing her of defamation.
During proceedings, the legal counsel to Alhaja Kaola pleaded with the court to grant her bail on self-recognition and on account of her public status, assuring the court that she would not abscond.
However, counsel to Alfa Akeugbagold, Mr Ajasa Ademola, opposed the bail application, arguing that Alhaja Kaola was not entitled to such privilege under the law, citing her involvement in a similar matter.
When Mr Ademola was asked to provide evidence in support of his objection, he presented a video in which Alhaja Kaola was seen disparaging a judge and a lawyer over a previous legal case.
The lawyer cited relevant legal provisions, maintaining that an individual who publicly ridicules judicial officers should not be granted bail under such circumstances, insisting that she be remanded.
The Judge thereafter ordered that Alhaja Kaola be remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin until the next adjourned date, July 17, 2025.
