A Kwara State Upper Area Court sitting in Ganmo on Monday, July 1, 2025, ordered the remand of well-known Islamic cleric and school proprietor, Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility in Ilorin over allegations of defamation.
The case was filed by another prominent Islamic cleric, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, who accused Alhaja Kaola of making defamatory statements against him during public engagements.
During the court proceedings, Kaola’s legal team appealed for bail on self-recognition, citing her religious influence, societal reputation, and assurance that she would not abscond. However, the plaintiff’s counsel, Ajasa Ademola, opposed the application, claiming the defendant had a history of similar behavior.
Ajasa also presented video evidence to the court, allegedly showing Kaola mocking a judge and legal practitioners in a past case, arguing that this amounted to contempt and justified the denial of bail.
After reviewing arguments from both sides, the presiding judge ordered that Alhaja Kafilat Kaola be remanded in custody until the next hearing, which has been fixed for July 17, 2025.
This incident brings back memories of a similar high-profile defamation case in 2023 involving Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, who was remanded after allegedly defaming Islamic leaders in Ilorin. He later issued a public apology through his legal representative.
As this new case unfolds, it continues to draw public attention due to the high profile of both clerics involved.
