Kwara Prison is currently housing social media influencer and advocate of traditionalist religion, Adegbola Abdulazeez, known as Tani Olohun, following a controversial court ruling on August 7.
The decision has ignited discussions around free speech and defamation, drawing varied opinions from the public.
Adegbola Abdulazeez, alias Tani Olohun, found himself entangled in legal troubles after a Magistrate Court in Ilorin ordered his imprisonment until October 5, 2023.
The charges brought against him by the Police included defamation of character and public disturbance.
The incident that propelled Tani Olohun into the spotlight dates back to August 2022 when he shared a video of himself tearing and burning the Holy Qur’an, an act that was vehemently criticized by the Muslim community. His actions were viewed as unprovoked and disrespectful.
Tani Olohun’s recent arrest in Ibadan, based on petitions from Sheikh Alfa Tonile Okutagidi, among other Muslims, shed light on his alleged actions that led to defamation of character and public disturbance charge
However, tensions escalated due to existing frictions between the predominantly Muslim Ilorin city and minority Isese worshippers from South-west states, ultimately amplifying Tani Olohun’s prominence.
Tani Olohun, originally from Oyo state, capitalized on his Facebook page to create videos that fueled an online confrontation against Muslims thereby allegedly defaming their character.
Consequently, several Muslims from different backgrounds filed petitions against him, leading to his arrest in Ibadan by the Kwara State police command.
The courtroom witnessed a gathering of concerned Muslims as Tani Olohun faced allegations of defamation of character. The petitioners, which reportedly included ten Islamic Scholars asserted that his statements had caused damage to their reputations and well-being.
‘Not Isese controversy’, Tani Olohun arrested for defamation of character
Amid the controversy, legal counsel Ademola Abdulquadri clarified that the case’s core focus was defamation of character, debunking rumors connecting it to the Isese festival. He emphasized that the arrest was prompted by the genuine concerns of the petitioners regarding the impact of Tani Olohun’s statements.
Alhaji Muri Adio Baba ni Bariga echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that Tani Olohun’s arrest was unrelated to the Isese Festival and should serve as a cautionary tale for those tarnishing others’ reputations online.
Contrasting views have emerged, with some traditional religious advocates urging Tani Olohun’s release. Notably, citizen journalist and social activist Omoyele Sowore has joined the call, asserting that Tani Olohun is being targeted for advocating freedom of religion.
‘Serious Matter’, Muslim Scholar reveals the escalation of his case
In response, Mallam Yusuf Adepoju, the leader of the Academy of Islamic Propagation (ACADIP), noted that Tani Olohun is facing multiple charges, including urging violence against religious figures. Adepoju emphasized that the case is not about suppressing freedom of expression but rather addressing serious allegations.
“Tani Olohun committed crimes — going by the suit filed at the court by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
“Both the people supporting him and those against him, if we are to be true to ourselves, everybody knows he erred.
“Concerning me, he did a Live video where he put my picture and claimed I am deceased. People started calling me. And he (Tani Olohun) did it a lot.
“And I watched one where he asked people to carry sticks and storm Iwo town to pummel the Mufti (Sheikh Dawood Malaasan) to death. His case is now a serious one. And it has now been enlarged.”
The incarceration of Tani Olohun and the ensuing debates reflect the complex balance between free speech, defamation, and social responsibility. As the legal proceedings unfold, society continues to grapple with the implications of online expressions and their real-world consequences.