Kwara Court Orders Remand Of Alhaja Kafilat Kaola Over Alleged Defamation Case Involving Islamic Scholar

A Magistrate Court in Ganmo has ordered the remand of Alhaja Kafilat Kaola, a prominent Islamic figure and Ibadan-based On Air presenter, at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre.

The ruling follows allegations of defamation against Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, the Wazeer Muslimeen of Oyo State and a respected Islamic cleric. Details of the alleged defamatory statements remain undisclosed, but the case has reignited public interest in the longstanding tensions between the two figures.

Kaola’s remand comes amid claims that she made statements damaging to Akewugbagold’s reputation. While specific details are limited, the legal action underscores a growing judicial focus on defamation cases in Kwara State. In 2023, social media influencer Abdulazeez Adegbola, known as Tani Olohun, faced similar charges for allegedly defaming the Emir of Ilorin and other Islamic scholars, highlighting the court’s stance on public defamation.

Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, former Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, is a revered figure in Nigeria’s Islamic community. In 2021, he was named Wazeer Muslimeen of Oyo State, a prestigious title likened to a “Prime Minister” in Islamic hierarchy. At the conferment, Kaola publicly praised Akewugbagold’s generosity and contributions to the Muslim community. However, their relationship has since soured, with the current defamation case pointing to unresolved tensions.

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Akewugbagold has faced significant challenges in the past. In 2020, his twin children were kidnapped in Ibadan, leading to the arrest of six suspects charged with conspiracy, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms. The high-profile case, heard in an Oyo State High Court, drew widespread attention and raised questions about Akewugbagold’s vulnerability due to his public stature.

The defamation case suggests deeper, possibly private, conflicts between Kaola and Akewugbagold, potentially amplified by public or social media interactions. As the investigation continues, the case highlights the increasing use of legal avenues to address reputational disputes in Nigeria’s religious and social spheres.

The court’s decision has sparked varied reactions, with some expressing hope for a fair resolution. The legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the nature of the allegations and the future of relations between these prominent figures.