The Kwara State Government has instituted a criminal defamation suit against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, accusing him of making defamatory statements against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The case, filed before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, stems from a statement allegedly published by Saraki on April 17, 2026, on social media platforms, including Facebook and X, as well as in newspapers.
According to court documents, the former Senate President allegedly claimed that Governor AbdulRazaq lacked secondary school educational qualifications. The state government contends that the allegation was false and deliberately published using insulting, derogatory and abusive language capable of provoking the governor and the state government.
The prosecution further argued that the publication was likely to disturb public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State 2006.
The charge was filed on behalf of the people of Kwara State by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ayoola Idowu Akande, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, B.L. Abdulsalam.
At Wednesday’s court session, prosecution counsel R.O. Balogun informed the court that the matter had been scheduled for arraignment and urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Saraki for failing to appear.
Balogun argued that the defendant had been properly served and that the presence of his legal representative in court demonstrated awareness of the proceedings.
“The defendant’s counsel is in court appearing for him and he should be here. We are the prosecution and should be allowed to proceed. There is no valid reason given for his absence. We therefore pray the court to issue a bench warrant against him in line with Section 138,” he told the court.
However, Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the State High Court, maintaining that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He also disputed the service of the charge, insisting that his client had not been properly served.
Following a two-hour recess to consider submissions from both parties, the trial judge, Justice M.O. Folorunso, ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for hearing of the preliminary objection and possible arraignment of Saraki.
The case marks a fresh chapter in the political rivalry between Saraki and Governor AbdulRazaq, two influential figures in Kwara State politics.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).