Kwara High Court Fixes July 22 for Saraki’s Arraignment Over Alleged Criminal Defamation

Kwara High Court Fixes July 22 for Saraki’s Arraignment Over Alleged Criminal Defamation

The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, over an alleged criminal defamation charge filed by the Kwara State Government.

The case arises from remarks allegedly made by Saraki against Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which the prosecution described as derogatory, defamatory, and capable of causing a breach of public peace.

According to the charge filed by the prosecution, Saraki allegedly published and circulated the statement on or about April 17, 2026, through social media platforms and newspapers.

The prosecution accused the former Senate President of falsely claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq did not possess education beyond the secondary school level.

The charge further alleged that Saraki published insulting and abusive statements against the governor and the Kwara State Government, knowing or having reason to know that the claims were false.

The prosecution maintained that the alleged publication was made in a manner capable of insulting or provoking the governor and causing a breakdown of public peace, an offence said to be punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.

At Thursday’s proceedings, Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumeen, SAN, represented by T.A. Ahmed, urged the court to dismiss the charge, arguing that the matter was improperly brought before the High Court.

The defence, through a motion on notice, sought seven reliefs, including objections bordering on improper service, lack of jurisdiction, and alleged abuse of court process.

Adopting the defendant’s written address, Ahmed asked the court to decline jurisdiction and 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,” the defence counsel submitted.

However, the prosecution counsel, Rafiu Balogun, informed the court that the Kwara State Government had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application.

Balogun urged the court to dismiss the defence application, describing it as frivolous and incongruous.

In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho dismissed all seven reliefs sought by Saraki and held that the court had the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The judge held that the court possessed territorial jurisdiction to hear the case and that the criminal defamation allegation against Saraki was properly before it.

Justice Folorunsho also ruled that Saraki’s physical presence was not required for the determination of the interlocutory application, citing the relevant provisions of the law.

The court further held that the charge sheet and accompanying proof of evidence did not suggest that the case was politically motivated.

“The objection of the defendant/applicant is without any iota, and it is accordingly hereby dismissed,” the judge ruled.

Justice Folorunsho subsequently adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to be formally arraigned on the criminal defamation charge.

NUPEKOTV reports that the case is expected to attract significant public attention as proceedings continue in Ilorin.