Mashood Mustapha Makes Appearance in Court Following Defamation Suits Filed Against Him by Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Kwara-born political juggernaut, Hon. Mashood Mustapha (MM) made his first appearance in Court today, June 30, 2025, following a defamation suit instituted against him and his brother, Bolakale Mustapha, by the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led Kwara State Government.

Hon. Mashood Mustapha who holds the esteemed traditional title of Wakilin of Ilorin Emirate was represented by a Legal Team headed by Prof. Kayode Olatoke. The other distinguished members of his Legal team include Mr Emeka Etiaba, SAN; Mr Jimoh Adebimpe Abdulmumini, SAN; Mr George Ibrahim, SAN; Mr Lanre Abdul, ESQ; and Sadiq Abdulbaki, ESQ.

On the other hand, Mr Bolakale Mustapha who was charged for releasing and uploading MM’s video reaction to the demolition of his property by the Kwara State Government, was legally represented by Mr Moses Ebute, SAN; Mr Tafa Ahmed, ESQ; and Mr David James, ESQ.

It will be recalled that on 6th October 2024, the Kwara State Government sealed off the roads leading to Crystal Place, a thriving commercial hub owned by Hon. Mashood Mustapha, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and deployed bulldozers to completely demolish the property after the expiration of a 3-hour notice given to the tenants.

In reaction to the demolition of his multi-billion naira property which according to him was built after obtaining all the necessary approvals from the Kwara State Government, MM alleged in a video uploaded on the night of the demolition that the government was out to destroy all his investments in the State owing to the political differences between him and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. MM went ahead to vent his anger like every property owner would do when their investment is destroyed based on political vendetta.

Enraged by the effrontery of MM to condemn the demolition of his property located on Ahmadu Bello Way, the Kwara State Government filed a defamation suit against him at the Kwara State High Court.

Honourable Justice M. Abdulgafar, having listened to the arguments of both the defendants and the prosecutors, granted a N5 million bail to the defendants with the provision of 1 surety.

Statements from the Legal Counsel of both Hon. Mashood Mustapha and Bolakale Mustapha suggest that the defendants met their bail conditions and were allowed to go home peacefully. The case was adjourned to July 18, 2025.