Court Fixes Date for Saraki’s Arraignment over Alleged Defamation

A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, over alleged defamatory remarks against Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Justice M.O. Folorunsho delivered the ruling on Friday, holding that the case falls within the jurisdiction of the court. The judge stated that the alleged offence is one the court is empowered to hear and affirmed that it has the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

The Kwara State Government instituted criminal defamation proceedings against Saraki over statements allegedly published on April 17, 2026, through social media platforms and newspapers.

According to the charge, Saraki allegedly circulated statements containing insulting, abusive and derogatory remarks in which he claimed that Governor AbdulRazaq did not receive education up to the secondary school level.

The state government alleged that Saraki knew, or ought to have known, that the statements were false but deliberately published them in a manner intended to insult or provoke the governor and the Kwara State Government. It further claimed that the publication was capable of causing a breach of public peace.

The alleged offence is punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.

Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), had earlier filed a motion seeking seven reliefs, raising issues including improper service, lack of jurisdiction, abuse of court process and other legal grounds. The defence argued that the matter was not properly before the state High Court.

Presenting the defence’s position, T.A. Ahmed, who appeared for Mumini, urged the court to decline jurisdiction and dismiss the charge.

The prosecution, led by Rafiu Balogun, opposed the application through a counter-affidavit filed on June 11, 2026. He asked the court to dismiss the defence’s application, describing it as lacking merit.

In his ruling, Justice Folorunsho dismissed all seven objections raised by the defence and resolved each issue in favour of the prosecution.

The judge also held that the criminal defamation charge against Saraki remains valid and enforceable.

On the issue of Saraki’s appearance in court, Justice Folorunsho ruled that under Section 227(b), the court may dispense with a defendant’s physical presence during the hearing of interlocutory applications.

He further held that the request to postpone Saraki’s arraignment until after the determination of the application had become unnecessary and therefore declined the request.

The judge also found no indication from the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence that the prosecution was politically motivated.

Having dismissed the preliminary objection, Justice Folorunsho adjourned the case until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.