The Kwara State Court Grants N2million Bail To Comrade Musa And Investigative Journalist, Despite Govt's Opposition.

The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has granted bail to investigative journalist, Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, alongside two activists, Saliu Bolakale and Saidu Musa Tsaragi, in the sum of N2 million each.

NUPEKOTV gathered from SaharaReporters that the trio were arraigned on Thursday over allegations bordering on criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and conduct likely to breach public peace.

The defendants, who appeared voluntarily before the court, were represented by their counsel, Taofiq Olateju, who moved an application for bail shortly after their arraignment.

Delivering his ruling, the presiding judge, Umar Zikki Jubril, granted bail on what he described as liberal terms, despite opposition from the Kwara State Government. The court held that granting bail was in the interest of justice, noting that the defendants had demonstrated readiness to stand trial.

According to the ruling, each defendant is to enter into a bond of N2 million and provide two credible sureties with verifiable addresses within the court’s jurisdiction. The matter has been adjourned to July 7, 2026, for further hearing.

Further reports by SaharaReporters revealed that the case stems from the trio’s public condemnation of a violent attack on peaceful protesters in Ilorin.

In an earlier development on December 10, 2025, the High Court had refused an application for a bench warrant filed by the Director of Public Prosecution on behalf of Abubakar Sadiq Buhari, Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Social Investment.

The prosecution, led by Ayoola Idowu Akande, had argued that the defendants failed to appear in court and should be arrested. However, the defence challenged the claim, pointing out that the charge served on the defendants lacked essential details, including the court name, suit number, and hearing date.

Ruling on the matter, Justice Jubril held that the service was fundamentally defective and that the defendants could not reasonably be expected to appear without proper information. Consequently, the court dismissed the application for a bench warrant.

Earlier still, on October 13, 2025, a Magistrate Court in Ilorin had struck out a similar case against the defendants. The magistrate ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction, especially as the same matter had already been filed before the High Court.

Reacting to the development, defence counsel Olateju described the prosecution’s actions as an abuse of court process, accusing the state government of attempting to intimidate the defendants through multiple filings.

He, however, commended the judiciary for upholding justice and fairness, describing the rulings as a victory for press freedom and the rule of law.

NUPEKOTV reports that the case continues to draw attention amid concerns over the protection of journalists and activists in the state.