Magistrate’s Court strikes out cyberstalking, defamation case against journalist, activists in Ilorin
The Kwara State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ilorin has struck out the defamation and cyberstalking case filed against Afrika Eyes publisher and investigative journalist, Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, along with two activists — Comrade Saliu Bolakale and Saidu Musa.
This was after the state government was accused of attempting to abuse court processes by seeking an adjournment despite having filed the same case at the State High Court.
The prosecutor representing the Kwara State government, Supo Mathew, on Monday, urged Magistrate Jimada to adjourn the matter for further hearing, even though the Magistrate’s Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain and determine the allegations against the defendants.
Reacting to the prosecutor’s submission, counsel to the defendants, Taofiq Olateju, argued that the prosecution’s actions amounted to a clear case of abuse of court processes.
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He reminded the court that an earlier application had been made under Section 302 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Kwara State, 2018, compelling the Attorney General and/or the Commissioner of Police to appear before the court and show cause why the charges should not be dismissed.
Olateju stressed that it was wrong for the government to duplicate charges in two different courts simultaneously, describing the move as an attempt to intimidate and frustrate the defendants.
After listening to the arguments, Magistrate Jimada agreed with the defence counsel and ruled that since the same case had already been filed before the Kwara State High Court, the Magistrate’s Court could no longer entertain it.
He struck out the case, citing lack of jurisdiction.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Olateju commended Magistrate Jimada for his courage and commitment to upholding justice despite political pressure.
He accused the Kwara State government of wasting taxpayers’ money on frivolous and vindictive cases meant to silence journalists and human rights activists.
