Court dismisses charges against movie producer, Almaroof
On Tuesday an Ilorin Magistrate Court has dismissed all charges against a well-known movie producer, Alhaji Maroof Adebayo Afolayan, the Oloba of Isale-Oba in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Magistrate Muhammed Adams in his ruling brings an end to a legal battle that began in March 2022.
Afolayan who was initially brought before the court by the police on allegations of false personation and inciting public disturbance.
In a judgment spanning over 40 pages, the court found that the prosecution had failed to substantiate its case against the defendant.
Magistrate Adams said that the testimonies of six prosecution witnesses, who claimed that Afolayan had been purportedly dethroned, were invalid. Noted that the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate matters related to chieftaincy, effectively dismissing the prosecution’s claims.
In examination of video evidence provided by two defense witnesses illustrated that Afolayan and his family had been molested by the Eleju of Eju Land, Oba Mathew Idowu Ajiboye, and others. This evidence played a crucial role in the court’s decision, as it demonstrated that the alleged disturbances were not instigated by the Oloba.
Magistrate Adams further stated, “The prosecution did not establish any essential elements of the alleged offences, underscoring the lack of sufficient evidence to support the case against Afolayan.”
The dismissal of the charges has been met with relief from Afolayan and his supporters, who viewed the case as an attempt to undermine his status as a traditional ruler and a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
The ruling marks a significant victory for Afolayan, who can now focus on his contributions to film production and community leadership without the burden of legal troubles.
