Ilorin, Nigeria – July 3, 2025
By Ibn Yusuf
A direct criminal case filed at the Ilorin Upper Area Court involving renowned Sunnah scholar, Dr Sharafudeen Gbadebo Raji of Al-Madina Islamic Centre, Ogbomosho, and a complainant identified as Abu Sharif, has taken a new turn as stakeholders move toward an amicable resolution.
The dispute arose from a post-Eidul Ad’ha programme popularly known as Ebarika Ọdún, an annual event held in Ogbomosho, during which Dr Sharaf ceremoniously posed questions to members of the audience regarding fetish practices in their respective towns and cities. He sternly cautioned the participants against falsehood in their responses. Some young participants; Adam Abdulrauf, Ibrahim and Abdulwasi, from Ilorin mentioned certain practices reportedly occurring in the city, which later sparked controversy.
Although the boys later clarified that their earlier statements about Ilorin were mistaken, Abu Sharif claimed that the references brought dishonour to the historic Muslim city and subsequently filed a direct criminal suit bordering on criminal conspiracy, defamation, disturbance of public peace and othera against Dr Sharaf and the youths involved.
In response, Dr Sharaf’s legal team filed a cross-petition against Abu Sharif at the same court, alleging defamation, injurious falsehood, and false accusation. Both suits are now under consideration for possible settlement.
Following today's court proceedings, a member of Dr Sharaf’s legal team, posted a summary on Facebook, acknowledging the role of the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, and the Chairman of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) in easing tensions surrounding the matter.
According to the post, both chairmen met with the counsels from both sides prior to the sitting and stressed the need for amicable resolution, citing the high level of public interest and judicial concern. They noted that prominent figures such as Prof. AbdurRazaaq AbdulMajeed Alaro and Shaykh AbdulWahaab Ajia had also reached out, urging peaceful settlement.
During the session, the MULAN Chairman appeared as amicus curiae and formally requested an adjournment to allow room for reconciliation. His motion was seconded by the NBA Chairman. The presiding judge endorsed the initiative and encouraged both parties to resolve the matter peacefully in accordance with the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The case has been adjourned to August 14, 2025, to enable further dialogue toward resolution.
In line with the understanding reached in court, all parties and the public have been strongly urged to refrain from making inflammatory comments or social media posts about the case.
