The legal tussle between the Kwara State Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, and the publisher of Nupeko TV, Tauheed Mohammed, has taken a dramatic turn as the journalist was remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin.
Just Event Online TV reports, The remand order was issued by the Chief Magistrate Court, Ilorin Magisterial District, following proceedings on the Direct Criminal Complaint filed by Commissioner Lade. The complaint accuses Mohammed of defamation, criminal intimidation, and other related offences under the Penal Code.
According to the court filings, the charges stem from a publication by Nupeko TV which alleged negligence, mismanagement, and financial impropriety by the Commissioner in relation to the Lafiagi Waterworks Project.
The court, after reviewing preliminary submissions, ordered Mohammed’s remand pending further hearing, which has been adjourned to October 20, 2025.
This development comes amid a ₦10 million civil defamation suit already pending against the publisher, marking a significant escalation in the confrontation between the state official and the media entrepreneur.
Observers say the case underscores the rising tension between public officials and journalists in the state, raising fresh concerns about press freedom, accountability, and the limits of free expression in political reporting.
Meanwhile, the controversy continues to generate widespread public reaction, particularly following the Kwara North petition calling for Commissioner Lade’s removal over alleged administrative lapses.
The case will continue at the next adjourned date as both parties prepare for what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched media-related legal battles in the state.
Reacting to message from Just Event Online TV, the honourable commissioner for Water Resources, Hon Yunusa Lade said No Comment
