The Upper Area Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Monday refused to arraign an Islamic Cleric, Sheik Abdulrazaq Solihudeen Aremoh, over a defamation case instituted against him by an ally of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and APC chieftain, Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi.
Ajadi had instituted a direct criminal complaint against the Islamic cleric over one of his sermons where he criticized the state government for some of its policies particularly the alleged witch-hunting of opposition members in the state.
The court refused to hear the case and urged the two parties to seek an amicable resolution in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.
There was massive solidarity for Sheik Absulrazaq Solihudeen Aremoh from other Islamic clerics who felt embarrassed by the development.
They trooped to court in their numbers to show support to the cleric.
Also, youths across the state condemned the development, which they tagged as an affront to democracy.
The court also adjourned to May 29, 2024 for a report of resolution or arraignment.
