A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has scheduled July 22 for the arraignment of Senate President Bukola Saraki over allegations that he made derogatory and defamatory statements against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The Kwara State Government initiated legal proceedings against Saraki, accusing him of criminal defamation. According to the charge, the Senate President published and circulated a statement on or about April 17, 2026, across social media and newspapers, containing insulting and abusive language that allegedly suggested Governor AbdulRazaq lacked a secondary school education — a claim the state contends Saraki knew or should have known to be false.

“Which you knew or ought to have known to be false, but you intentionally published the said statements in a manner to insult or provoke the Governor of Kwara State Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Kwara State Government, which you did in a manner likely to cause breakdown of public peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, CAP. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006,” the charge reads.

Defence Challenges Jurisdiction

In his motion on notice, Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumeen (SAN), raised seven principal reliefs challenging the proceedings on grounds of improper service, lack of jurisdiction, and abuse of court processes, arguing that the case was not triable in the state High Court.

Adopting the defendant’s written address on Thursday, Mumeen, represented by T.A. Ahmed, urged the court to dismiss the charge. “In all, we pray the court to dismiss the charge before it. Looking at the position of our address, we urge the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter,” Ahmed submitted.

Prosecution Opposes Application

Prosecution Counsel Rafiu Balogun opposed the motion, telling the court that a counter-affidavit had been filed on June 11, 2026. “We opposed the motion on notice by filing 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.

Court Rules Against Saraki, Fixes Arraignment Date

In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho resolved all seven reliefs sought by the defendant in favour of the prosecution. The judge affirmed that the court possessed territorial jurisdiction to hear the case and that the allegation of criminal defamation “is standing against Senator Saraki on the matter”.

On the issue of Saraki’s physical presence, the judge noted that the application being interlocutory, the court could dispense with the defendant’s physical attendance up until the ruling. “By the provision of Section 227b, Supra, this application being interlocutory, this court can dispense with the physical presence of the defendant/applicant, which has been done up till when this ruling is being given now,” he said.

Justice Folorunsho also dismissed suggestions that the case was politically motivated. “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, and it is accordingly hereby dismissed,” the judge ruled.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.