The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the police of arresting Isese activist Adegbola Abdulazeez, also known as Talọlọrun, using a counterfeit warrant. Sowore made this revelation in a Facebook post on Sunday.
In his post, Sowore stated, “#FreeTaniOlohun: The charade by special interests in Ilorin to secretly jail Tani Olohun exposed. First, they obtained a fake arrest warrant from Area Court to apprehend him. Now, they are seeking state government approval to prosecute him without involving the DPP’s office.”
Talolohun was arrested and placed in a correctional center until October 5 for allegedly insulting the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and certain Islamic clerics in the state, among other offenses.
Sowore, sharing further information on Twitter, stated, “I have obtained a copy of the bogus criminal charge sheet used to unlawfully detain Abdulazeez Tani Olohun. It is now evident that he was targeted for his outspokenness against certain individuals in Ilorin, Kwara state. The police failed to conduct proper investigations; the charges were based on hearsay from an unidentified group. The Nigeria Police Force acted unprofessionally, and I demand his immediate release.”
Sowore also mentioned on his Facebook page, “#UPDATE On FreeTaniOlohun: Oluwo of Tede appeared before a questionable Upper Area Court judge in Ilorin, arraigned without a formal charge but based on an unnamed lawyer’s petition (this lawyer must be identified and disbarred). They alleged Tani Olohun as a co-conspirator. The judge acknowledged Tani Olorun’s arrest and detention.”
“The lawyer present managed to thwart their efforts to imprison Oluwo of Tede indefinitely. He argued vehemently for bail, and although the adjournment will be brief, both Oluwo of Tede and Tani Olorun will face formal ‘arraignment’ on Wednesday, with a bail application to follow.”
Meanwhile, the Magistrate in Tani Olorun’s case has requested a bail application, and a hearing date will be set. “The Ilorin oppressors’ strategy is to inundate various courts with fresh charges against Tani Olorun, Oluwo of Tede, and others, alleging ‘defamation of character.'”
Fortunately, the global community has taken note of these tactics and the suppression of religious and speech freedoms in Kwara state. The culprits are now identified and will face consequences. Sowore urges continued advocacy for the release and restoration of fundamental rights for all victims of religious persecution. #RevolutionNow”
