RismadarVoice Reporters
November 2, 2026
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has petitioned the state Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, over alleged politically motivated criminal prosecutions and prolonged detention of its members and supporters.
The petition, dated October 30, 2026, was submitted through the party’s solicitors, J.A. Mumini (SAN & Co.), led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mumini Jimoh.
The lawyers accused the Kwara State Ministry of Justice, through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, of allegedly pursuing criminal charges against opposition members at the prompting of political actors within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the petition, the charges include breach of public peace, unlawful assembly, conspiracy to commit political violence and alleged membership of secret cults.
The solicitors claimed that some prosecutions were initiated without adequate investigation or sufficient evidence, allegedly resulting in prolonged detention and restrictions on political activities.
They said at least seven cases had been documented within two months in the Ilorin Judicial Division.
The lawyers further alleged that some defendants were arraigned late in the evening and remanded in correctional facilities without reasonable opportunities to seek bail.
Citing Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, the petition emphasised the rights of defendants to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence.
It also referenced the Kwara State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which provides safeguards governing criminal proceedings and detention.
The solicitors urged the Chief Judge to consider administrative measures ensuring that courts exercise appropriate judicial discretion when handling remand and bail applications.
They also called for strict compliance with applicable criminal justice procedures, particularly where defendants face bailable offences.
The petition requested engagement with the state Attorney-General over the exercise of prosecutorial powers under Section 211 of the Constitution.
According to the lawyers, such intervention could help prevent potential abuse of legal processes while protecting judicial independence.
An annexure reportedly identified six specific cases, although the petition alleged that at least seven prosecutions had occurred.
The lawyers said one case involving former Senate President Bukola Saraki had been quashed by the Court of Appeal, while other listed matters remained pending as of October 30.
The party warned that it could approach the National Judicial Council and National Human Rights Commission if its concerns remained unresolved.
However, the allegations of political interference and improper prosecution have not been independently established.
The petition’s claims remain subject to examination, and the state government and prosecuting authorities retain the right to respond.
