A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki over an alleged defamatory statement against Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Kwara State Government instituted criminal defamation proceedings against Saraki, alleging that he published and circulated statements on or about April 17, 2026, through social media and newspaper platforms claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq did not possess education beyond the secondary school level.
According to the prosecution, the statements were insulting, derogatory, and false, and were allegedly intended to provoke the governor and the Kwara State Government in a manner capable of causing a breach of public peace. The charge is said to be punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.
Counsel to Saraki, Jimoh Mumeen (SAN), represented in court by T.A. Ahmed, challenged the case through a motion on notice, raising seven objections, including improper service, lack of jurisdiction, abuse of court process, and the argument that the matter was not triable before the state High Court.
Urging the court to dismiss the charge, the defence argued that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case.
However, the prosecution, led by Rafiu Balogun, opposed the application through a counter-affidavit filed on June 11, 2026, describing the defence’s objections as frivolous and lacking merit. He urged the court to dismiss the application and allow the trial to proceed.
In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho dismissed all seven objections raised by the defence, holding that the court has the territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The judge ruled that the allegation of criminal defamation against Saraki remains valid and that the charge is properly before the court.
Justice Folorunsho further held that, under the relevant provisions of the law, the defendant’s physical presence was not required while determining the interlocutory application.
He also rejected the defence’s argument that the case was politically motivated, stating that an examination of the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence did not support such a claim.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s formal arraignment.
