Kwara High Court to Arraign Saraki July 22 Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks

A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki in a criminal defamation case involving Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Justice M.O. Folorunsho ruled on Friday that the court had the legal and territorial authority to hear the case.

“This court is blessed with territorial jurisdiction to hear this case,” the judge declared.

The Kwara State Government filed the criminal defamation suit over statements allegedly published by Saraki on April 17, 2026, through newspapers and social media.

According to the prosecution, Saraki allegedly circulated derogatory and insulting statements suggesting that Governor AbdulRazaq was not educated beyond secondary school level.

The government further alleged that the former Senate President knowingly published false claims intended to insult or provoke the governor and the state government, warning that such actions could threaten public peace.

The charge was filed under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.

Saraki’s lead counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), had challenged the competence of the suit through a motion seeking seven reliefs, including claims of improper service, abuse of court process and lack of jurisdiction.

Arguing for the defence, T.A. Ahmed urged the court to reject the case.

“Looking at the position of our address, we urge the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter,” Ahmed submitted.

However, prosecution counsel Rafiu Balogun opposed the application, informing the court that the state had already filed 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,” Balogun said.

Justice Folorunsho dismissed all seven applications filed by the defence and held that the criminal defamation charge remained valid.

The judge also ruled that the court could dispense with Saraki’s physical appearance during interlocutory proceedings under Section 227(b).

He further stated that the request to postpone the arraignment had become unnecessary.

According to the judge, “An appraisal of the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence does not in any way suggest it is a politically motivated action.”

He added: “In view of the above, I hold that the objection of the defendant/applicant is without any iota of merit and it is accordingly hereby dismissed.”

The case was adjourned until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.

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