The former lawyer accused himself for the alleged defamation of Kwara Gov for the demolition of a property of Naira Multimiliardaria

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. MASHOOD Mustapha, was accused on Monday before the High Court of the State of Kwara of Ilorin on charges of criminal defamation against the governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, following comments he did in the aftermath of the demolition of his multi-row commercial complex of Naira, Crystal Place.

The accusation derives from a viral video released by Mustapha on 6 October 2024, shortly after the state government ordered the demolition of the property located on Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin.

In the video, Mustapha accused the administration led by Abdulrazaq of acting as “political revenge”, claiming that the demolition aimed to paralyze his investments because of his political differences with the governor.

“This government is out to destroy everything I built,” Mustapha, who holds the traditional title of Wakilin Ilorin Emirate, has emotionally declared in the video.

The controversial demolition took place just three hours after the tenants of the structure were notified. Mustapha insisted that the structure had valid approvals of the government and was legally built.

However, the state government, through the secretary of the head of the governor’s chief press, Rafiu Ajakaye, argued that the demolition influenced only parts of the structure that violated the regulations on urban planning, in particular the government setbacks. He said that even the main building has invaded over 550 square meters of government land.

“The schematic diagram was clear. The structures outside the red line did not come out outside the employment certificate and violated the setback,” said Ajakaye.

Mustapha and her associate, Bolakale Mustapha – which was also accused for alleged circulation of the defamatory video – both declared themselves not guilty of the accusations.

The Legal Team of Mustapha, led by Prof. Kayodo Olatoke (San) and supported by Emeka Etiaba (San), Jimoh Adbimpe Abdulmumini, George Ibrahim, Lanre Abdul and Sadiq Abdulbaki, contested the dignks.

Bolakale was represented by another team led by Moses Ebute (San), together with Tafa Ahmed and David James.

The judge chanting, the judge Abdulgafar, granted both defendants the bail in the sum of ₦ 5 million each, with a surety in a similar sum. The case was updated to July 18, 2025, for further hearings.

The legal fight that is taking place has turned on the political tension in the state, with the residents and civil groups divided on the fact that the government has acted in the law or has crossed the line in political persecution.

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