Court grants bail to traditionalists after 29 days in detention for defamation case
Kwara State, Nigeria – Two traditionalists, Abebi Efunsetan Yakubu, also known as Olorisa, and Obalowu Jimoh, have been granted bail by a Kwara State Magistrate Court after spending 29 days in a Correctional Facility in Ilorin.
The court decision comes in response to allegations of defamation of character brought against them.
The defendants had been remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility following a petition submitted by Prince Ademola Ajasa of Ademola Ajasa & Co on behalf of his client, Alfa Nla Okutagidi of No 105 Pakata Road Okutagidi.
The complainant, Alfa Nla Okutagidi, raised concerns over a video posted by Olorisa on the internet, where she claimed to have assisted him in preparing spiritual sacrifices for his first wife before and after she gave birth to her child.
The police investigation revealed that both Iya Abebi (Olorisa) and Obalowu Jimoh conspired to defame Okutagidi’s character, potentially inciting disturbance of public peace.
During the proceedings on Tuesday, Magistrate Muhammed Adam, who presided over the case, granted bail to the defendants on the grounds that they were entitled to their freedom.
The court adjourned the matter to September 26, 2023, for further proceedings.
