The three prominent social media critics of the Kwara State Government are back in police custody after a botched attempt to rearrest them within the court premises in Ilorin following their discharge, The Informant247 gathered.
According to reports, the Police’s attempt to rearrest the three critics – Kayode Ogunlowo, Babatunde Olusola Saka, both members of the Lai Mohammed’s faction of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State and likewise a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olusegun Olusola Sholyment – was vehemently resisted by supporters who stormed the court premises in a show of solidarity.
The State Government had withdrawn its case against the opposition figures at the beginning of the trial on Wednesday. The judge consequently discharged them.
“Immediately after they were discharged, the police tried to drag them back to their headquarters. This cause commotion as supporters prevented them. They succeeded. The lawyers eventually decided to walk them to the headquarters. They were not arrested, they voluntarily went back accompanied by lawyers after the failed rearrest attempt. They are now in the custody of the police,” said an eyewitness.
The Kwara State Ministry of Justice earlier sought the critics to be remanded in Okekura prison through an ex parte application.
In its suit no MCIA/410C/2021 filed before the Kwara State Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin on Tuesday alleged the opposition figure of Criminal conspiracy, Defamation, Inciting public disturbance, and injurious falsehood.
The government alleged that their action is contrary to sections 97, 392, 114, 393 of the Penal Code Law pointed out that it was committed on July 18, 2021.
Stating its grounds for the application of an ex parte order, the government, among others, said the respondents were arrested with some exhibits.
Groups have, meanwhile, warned that the renewed crackdown by the Kwara State government on critics is meant at creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression online.
More to follow…
