Kwara High Court Dismisses Saraki’s Objection, Orders Him to Appear for Arraignment

A High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has rejected a preliminary objection filed by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and ordered that he be arraigned over an alleged defamation case.

Justice M. O. Folorunsho gave the ruling on Friday, affirming that the court had the jurisdiction to hear the criminal charge brought before it.

The court threw out the preliminary objection after reviewing arguments earlier presented by both the defence and prosecution.

Saraki’s lawyer, Mr Jimoh Adebimpe (SAN), represented by Mr T. A. Hammed, had asked the court to strike out the charge and decline jurisdiction over the matter.

According to the defence, the court lacked the legal authority to entertain the case and should terminate the proceedings.

However, the prosecution team led by Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN) and Chief Taye Oniyinde (SAN) argued that the court was fully empowered to hear the case.

The prosecutors urged the court to dismiss the objection, insisting that the charge disclosed offences recognised under existing criminal laws.

In delivering his decision, Justice Folorunsho resolved all 17 issues raised by the defendant and found no merit in the application.

“The preliminary objection lacks merit,” the judge declared while dismissing all the arguments raised by the defence.

The judge thereafter ordered that the case proceed and directed Saraki to appear before the court for formal arraignment.

The case involves allegations of publishing insulting and derogatory statements considered capable of causing a breach of public peace.

The prosecution alleged that Saraki made defamatory statements against Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his verified social media accounts.

According to prosecutors, the statements were later republished by several national newspapers, resulting in wider public dissemination.

The prosecution further claimed that Saraki alleged the governor did not possess a Secondary School Certificate, a constitutional requirement for governorship candidates.

Prosecutors argued that the alleged publication was defamatory, harmful to the governor’s reputation, and capable of provoking public disorder.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment and plea.

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