Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is set to be arraigned over alleged defamatory remarks made against AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq after a court in Ilorin dismissed his objection to the case.
A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin fixed July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s formal arraignment following a ruling that the court has the jurisdiction to hear the matter.
The decision was delivered on Friday by Justice M.O. Folorunsho after rejecting the preliminary objections raised by the former Senate President challenging both the jurisdiction of the court and the validity of the processes served on him.
The criminal charge was filed by the Kwara State Government, which accused Saraki of publishing and circulating statements on social media and in newspapers on or about April 17, 2026, alleging that Governor AbdulRazaq did not complete secondary school education.
According to the prosecution, the statements were insulting, derogatory and abusive, and were allegedly made with knowledge that they were false.
The State further alleged that the comments were deliberately published in a manner intended to insult or provoke the Governor and the Kwara State Government and were capable of causing a breakdown of public peace. Prosecutors said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code.
Saraki’s legal team had argued that the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court and also challenged the manner in which court processes were served on the former Senate President.
However, Justice Folorunsho dismissed the objections and ruled that the case should proceed before the state high court.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings until July 22, when Saraki is expected to enter his plea after formal arraignment.
The case marks the latest chapter in the prolonged political rivalry between Saraki and Governor AbdulRazaq, whose camps have repeatedly clashed over governance issues and the political direction of Kwara State ahead of the 2027 elections.
