A former federal lawmaker and prominent political figure in Kwara State, Hon. Mashood Mustapha, was on Monday arraigned before the State High Court in Ilorin over allegations of defamation against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The suit followed public remarks made by Mustapha after the controversial demolition of his multi-billion-naira commercial property called Crystal Place.
The legal faceoff stemmed from Mustapha’s video reaction to the October 6, 2024 demolition, in which he accused the Kwara State Government of “arbitrary and vindictive” actions, claiming the demolition was politically motivated.
Crystal Place, located on Ahmadu Bello Way in Ilorin, was reportedly brought down just three hours after tenants were issued a vacation notice. The building, according to Mustapha, was approved by the state government and had housed multiple tenants.
In the viral video released in the night of the demolition, Mustapha, who holds the traditional title of Wakilin Ilorin Emirate, stated that “the government was out to destroy all [his] investments in the state” due to political tensions between him and Governor AbdulRazaq.
Represented by a legal team led by Prof. Kayode Olatoke, alongside senior advocates Emeka Etiaba, Jimoh Adebimpe Abdulmumini, George Ibrahim, Mr. Lanre Abdul, and Sadiq Abdulbaki, Mustapha pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Also arraigned was Bolakale Mustapha, who was accused of circulating the alleged defamatory video online. His defense team comprised of Moses Ebute (SAN), Tafa Ahmed, and David James.
Following initial arguments, Justice Abdulgafar granted bail to both defendants in the sum of ₦5 million each, with one surety in like sum. The court adjourned the matter to July 18, 2025, for further proceedings.
The state government’s action has sparked mixed reactions, especially as it followed a May 2024 statement by Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRazaq, dismissing claims that the State government planned to demolish Mustapha’s property.
“The KW-GIS (Kwara Geographic Information Service) is identifying areas that encroach on government-designated setbacks,” Ajakaye clarified at the time. “The main building itself is not under threat of demolition. The focus is on ensuring all structures comply with setback regulations — a process applied consistently.”
Addressing the specific property, Ajakaye said: “The schematic diagram was too clear to be interpreted in light of ambiguity… Anything outside of that red line is outside of the C of O approved for the structure.”
He added that the demolition was targeted at the fence and kiosks that “offend the setbacks” and not the main building itself, a position disputed by Mustapha who maintains that the entire structure was brought down.
From findings by Greater Kwara, Ajakaye also noted that “even the main building is outside the approved land allocated and clearly on the setback,” alleging that approximately 550 square metres of government setback were encroached upon.
