Court Fixes July 22 For Saraki’s Arraignment Over Alleged Defamation

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

Justice M.O. Folorunsho, in a ruling on Friday, dismissed all seven preliminary objections raised by Saraki’s counsel and held that the court has territorial jurisdiction to entertain the criminal case.

The judge stated, “This court is blessed with territorial jurisdiction to hear this case,” adding that the alleged offence is triable by the court.

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

According to the charge, Saraki allegedly claimed that Governor AbdulRazaq was not educated up to secondary school level, statements the prosecution said he “knew or ought to have known to be false”.

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

Counsel to Saraki, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), represented in court by T.A. Ahmed, had challenged the case through a motion on notice raising objections including improper service, lack of jurisdiction, and abuse of court process.

Adopting the defendant’s written address, Ahmed urged the court to dismiss the charge, stating, “Looking at the position of our address, we urge the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter”.

However, prosecution counsel Rafiu Balogun opposed the application through a counter-affidavit filed on June 11, 2026, describing the defence’s objections as frivolous and lacking merit.

Balogun urged the court to dismiss the application, saying, “The application is frivolous and incongruous”.

In his ruling, Justice Folorunsho resolved all seven reliefs sought by the defence in favour of the prosecution.

The judge rejected the defence’s argument that the case was politically motivated, stating, “An appraisal of the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence does not in any way suggest it is a politically motivated action”.

He also held that, under Section 227(b), the court could dispense with Saraki’s physical presence while determining the interlocutory application.

Following the ruling, Saraki directed his legal team to appeal the High Court’s decision at the Court of Appeal.

In a statement issued by his media office, the former Senate President said he has instructed his lawyers to challenge the ruling on jurisdiction before the next adjourned date.

Saraki reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary and urged his supporters to remain peaceful while the legal process continues.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s formal arraignment.