Date: April 24, 2026 l Reporter: Usman Adebayo
A High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has granted bail to an investigative journalist, Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, alongside two activists, despite strong opposition from the state government.
The two activists identified are Comrade Saliu Bolakale and Comrade Saidu Musa Tsaragi. The trio is currently facing prosecution over allegations of criminal defamation, injurious falsehood, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
The defendants appeared before the court to respond to the charges filed against them by the Kwara State Government. During the proceedings, their legal counsel urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, arguing that the charges were not capital offences and that the defendants had shown willingness to cooperate with the legal process.
In a ruling delivered by the presiding judge, Justice Umar Zikki Jubril, the court granted bail to each of the defendants in the sum of ₦2 million. The court also ordered that each defendant must provide two credible sureties with verifiable addresses within the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge emphasized that granting bail was necessary in the interest of justice and fairness, despite objections raised by the prosecution.
The case has been adjourned until July 7, 2026, for further hearing.
The development has drawn attention from civil society groups and media observers, who see the case as part of a broader pattern of legal actions involving journalists and activists in Nigeria. Analysts say such cases often raise concerns about press freedom and the use of legal processes in handling dissenting views.
The defendants have denied any wrongdoing, while their legal team maintains that the charges are unfounded and should be dismissed.
As the case continues, it is expected to remain a focal point in discussions around freedom of expression, accountability, and the role of the judiciary in protecting civil rights in Nigeria.