- A Kwara court has fixed July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment over alleged defamation of Governor AbdulRazaq
- The state accused him of making false claims about the governor’s education
- The court dismissed his objections and allowed the case to proceed
The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki over alleged criminal defamation involving Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Kwara State Government brought the charge against Saraki, accusing him of making a public statement on or around April 17, 2026, which was allegedly shared on social media and published in newspapers and contained offensive remarks about the governor.
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Prosecutors claimed Saraki alleged that Governor AbdulRazaq did not attain education beyond secondary school level, an assertion the state described as false, damaging, and capable of provoking public disorder.
The government maintained that the publication was intended to ridicule the governor and disturb public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code.
Saraki’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jimoh Mumeen, challenged the case, raising objections that included lack of jurisdiction, improper service, and claims that the suit was an abuse of court process.
The defence urged the court to dismiss the charge outright, arguing that it should not be entertained by the state High Court.
However, the prosecution counsel, Rafiu Balogun, opposed the motion, insisting the case was properly instituted and supported by evidence, and asked the court to reject Saraki’s application.
In its ruling, the court dismissed all seven objections raised by Saraki’s team, holding that it had the authority to hear the case and that the matter was properly within its jurisdiction.
Justice M.O. Folorunsho further ruled that the allegation of criminal defamation was valid enough to proceed to trial.
The court also held that Saraki’s presence was not required at that stage of proceedings, noting that interlocutory applications could be handled without the defendant appearing in person.
Additionally, the judge dismissed arguments suggesting the case was politically driven, stating that nothing in the filings indicated political motivation.
Following the ruling, the court adjourned the case until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to be formally arraigned.
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