The Kwara Chief Magistrates Court in Ilorin has granted bail to Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, a traditional religion devotee, News About Nigeria gathered.
Tani Olohun had spent a total of 91 days in the custody of the Federal Correctional Service in Ilorin, Kwara State.
He was facing trial for alleged defamation in four distinct cases across three different courts in the state.
The charges, including criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, disturbance of public peace, criminal defamation of character, and intentional insult, were brought before the Chief Magistrate Court, where Magistrate Mohammed Ibrahim presided.
Tani Olohun had been detained since August 17, 2023, when he was arraigned on these charges. The offences were claimed to be contrary to sections 97, 210, 392, and 114 of the penal code law of Nigeria.
The accused was also brought before the Kwara state Upper Area Court on similar charges, and two separate cases involving Sheilk Labeeb Lagbaji and Modirasatu Muhammed, led by Professor Abubakar Aliagan, were filed against him for defamation of Alhaji Labeeb Lagbaji and burning of the Holy Quran, respectively.
Tani Olohun pleaded not guilty to all charges.
While he had previously been granted administrative bail on separate occasions by the Upper Area Court and Chief Magistrate Court, the recent hearing before Magistrate Mohammed Adam resulted in the granting of bail in the sum of N2 million.
Additionally, three sureties were required, each in the same sum.
The court specified that two of the sureties must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction or in Oyo State, where Tani Olohun claimed to be a resident.
During the court proceedings, Tani Olohun publicly pleaded for forgiveness from the Islamic scholars in Ilorin, whom he had allegedly defamed, and from Muslims worldwide.
He promised never to repeat such acts of posting negative videos on his social media handles.
Tani Olohun’s counsel, Mr. Ademola Bank, moved the bail application, emphasising his client’s remorse and commitment to not repeating the alleged offenses.
Counsel for the complainants, Taofeeq Olateju and Y.Y Ajibade, did not oppose the bail application.
If Tani Olohun meets the bail conditions, he will be released from custody. Mr Ademola Bank expressed determination to fulfill all the bail conditions on behalf of his client.
