After spending 91 days in the custody of the Federal Correctional Service in Ilorin, Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani Olohun, a traditional religion devotee, has finally been granted bail by the Kwara Chief Magistrates Court.
Tani Olohun faced alleged defamation charges in four separate cases across three different courts in Kwara State. The charges included criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbance, disturbance of public peace, criminal defamation of character, and intentional insult. These charges were brought against him on August 17, 2023, before Magistrate Mohammed Ibrahim at the Chief Magistrate Court.
In addition to the Chief Magistrate Court, he was arraigned before the Kwara State Upper Area Court, presided over by Mr. Sunday Adeniyi, on similar charges. Two separate cases were also filed against him by Sheilk Labeeb Lagbaji and Modirasatu Muhammed, led by Professor Abubakar Aliagan, for alleged defamation of Alhaji Labeeb Lagbaji and burning of the Holy Quran.
Although he pleaded not guilty to all charges, Tani Olohun was granted administrative bail by the Upper Area Court on September 20 and the Chief Magistrate Court on October 24, 2023.
In the recent court hearing before Magistrate Mohammed Adam, Tani Olohun was granted bail in the sum of N2 million, with three sureties each providing the same amount in two separate cases. The court specified that two of the sureties must own a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction or in Oyo State, where Tani Olohun claimed to be a resident.
During the proceedings, Tani Olohun publicly pleaded for forgiveness from Islamic scholars in Ilorin, whom he had allegedly defamed, and from Muslims worldwide. He promised never to repeat such actions, specifically posting negative videos on his social media handles.
Tani Olohun’s counsel, Mr. Ademola Bank, moved the bail application, emphasizing his client’s plea for forgiveness. The counsels to the complainants, Labeeb Lagbaji and Modirasatu Mohammed Islamic group, did not oppose the bail application.
Mr. Ademola Bank, Tani Olohun’s counsel, expressed confidence in meeting the stringent bail conditions, ensuring his client’s release.