A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has scheduled July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki over allegations of making defamatory and derogatory statements against Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The criminal case was instituted by the Kwara State Government, which accused Saraki of defaming the governor through statements allegedly published on social media platforms and in newspapers.
According to the charge, the state alleged that on or about April 17, 2026, Saraki circulated a statement claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq was not educated up to secondary school level.
The government argued that the statement contained insulting, abusive and derogatory language and that Saraki either knew, or ought to have known, that the claim was false before publishing it.
The prosecution further maintained that the publication was deliberately made to insult and provoke Governor AbdulRazaq and the Kwara State Government, with the potential to disrupt public peace.
The alleged offence is said to be punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.
Before the commencement of trial, Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumeen (SAN), filed a motion on notice raising seven major objections to the proceedings.
The application challenged the competence of the case on grounds including improper service of court processes, lack of jurisdiction, abuse of court process and other legal issues, while arguing that the matter was not one the state High Court could entertain.
Presenting the defendant’s arguments on Thursday, Mumeen, who was represented by T.A. Ahmed, urged the court to decline jurisdiction and strike out the charge.
He submitted, “In all, we pray the court to dismiss the charge before it. Looking at the position of our address, we urge the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter.”
Responding on behalf of the prosecution, Rafiu Balogun informed the court that the state had filed a counter-affidavit on June 11, 2026, opposing the application.
Balogun argued that the preliminary objection lacked merit and should not succeed.
He told the court, “We opposed the motion on notice by filing a counter affidavit on June 11, 2026. I pray the court to dismiss the application of the defendant/applicant. The application is frivolous and incongruous.”
In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho dismissed all seven objections raised by the defence and resolved each issue in favour of the prosecution.
The judge held that the alleged offence of criminal defamation falls within the jurisdiction of the court.
According to Justice Folorunsho, “this court is blessed with territorial jurisdiction to hear this case.”
He further observed that the allegation of criminal defamation remained a valid charge against the former Senate President.
Addressing the issue of Saraki’s appearance in court, the judge explained that his physical presence was not required while determining the interlocutory application.
He stated, “By the provision of Section 227b, Supra, this application being interlocutory, this court can dispense with the physical presence of the defendant/applicant, which has been done up till when this ruling is being given now.”
Justice Folorunsho also dismissed claims that the prosecution was politically motivated.
He ruled, “An appraisal of the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence does not in any way suggest it is a politically motivated action. In view of the above, I hold that the objection of the defendant/applicant is without any iota, and it is accordingly hereby dismissed.”
Following the ruling, the court adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to be formally arraigned on the criminal defamation charge.
