From Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin
The defamation trial against three individuals, who alleged that Mrs. Toyin Saraki had acquired the Children’s Amusement Park, Ilorin and converted it to personal use, continued in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The respondents are Dr Saliu Ajibola Ajia, Dr Saad Omoiya, and Alhaji Saleh Duro Garba.
One of the respondents, Dr Saad Omoiya, who was a lecturer at the Department of History and International Studies, University of Ilorin, died on May 13, 2016, meaning that only the two living respondents would be served by substituted means.
Barrister Toyin Saraki, who is the wife of former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was the First Lady of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011.
Justice HO Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin granted the application for an order for substituted service.
The plaintiff’s counsel had sought that the defendants should get served through substituted means after informing the court of his inability to serve them.
The judge also added that the legal proceedings should be published in at least two local newspapers and one national daily.
He later adjourned the matter until December 11, 2023.