A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, over alleged criminal defamation of Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the state government instituted criminal proceedings against Saraki over a statement it alleged was published on April 17, 2026, on social media and in some newspapers.
The government accused the former governor of Kwara State of falsely claiming that AbdulRazaq did not possess secondary school education, describing the publication as insulting, derogatory and capable of inciting a breach of public peace.
According to the charge, Saraki allegedly published the statement knowing, or having reason to know, that it was false, with the intention of insulting or provoking the governor and the state government.
The alleged offence is said to be punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.
Before the court, Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), represented by T.A. Ahmed, challenged the competence of the suit through a motion on notice, urging the court to dismiss the charge.
The defence raised seven grounds, including alleged improper service of court processes, lack of jurisdiction and abuse of court process, insisting that the case was not triable before the Kwara State High Court.
Ahmed argued that the court should decline jurisdiction, maintaining that the prosecution had failed to establish the legal basis for trying the matter before the court.
However, the prosecution, led by Rafiu Balogun, opposed the application, describing it as frivolous and lacking merit.
Balogun informed the court that the state had filed a counter-affidavit on June 11, 2026, urging the court to dismiss the defence application and allow the criminal proceedings to continue.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, Justice M.O. Folorunsho dismissed all seven objections raised by the defence and held that the court possessed the territorial and legal jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
The judge ruled that the allegation of criminal defamation against Saraki remained valid and should proceed to trial.
Justice Folorunsho also held that Saraki’s physical presence was not required during the hearing of the interlocutory application, relying on the relevant provisions of the law.
He further rejected the defence’s argument that the case was politically motivated, stating that a review of the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence did not support such a claim.
“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 of merit and it is accordingly dismissed,” the judge ruled.
Following the ruling, Justice Folorunsho adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.
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