Court fixes July 22 for Saraki’s arraignment over alleged defamation

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin on Friday fixed July 22 for the arraignment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki over alleged criminal defamation of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The Kwara State Government accused Saraki of publishing and circulating statements on social media and in newspapers on April 17, 2026, alleging that the governor did not have a secondary school education. The prosecution said the statements were false, insulting and capable of provoking a breach of public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.

Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), filed a motion challenging the competence of the case. He sought seven reliefs, including claims of improper service, lack of jurisdiction and abuse of court process, arguing that the charge was not triable before the state High Court.

Adopting the defendant’s written address, counsel T.A. Ahmed urged the court to dismiss the charge and decline jurisdiction. He maintained that the court lacked the legal authority to entertain the matter.

Prosecution counsel Rafiu Balogun opposed the application, relying on a counter-affidavit filed on June 11, 2026. He described the motion as frivolous and without merit, urging the court to dismiss it and allow the case to proceed.

In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho resolved all seven reliefs in favour of the prosecution. He held that the alleged offence was properly before the court and that it had the territorial jurisdiction to hear the case.

The judge also ruled that Saraki’s physical presence was not required while the interlocutory application was being determined. He added that the request to defer the defendant’s arraignment had become unnecessary following the court’s decision on the preliminary objection.

Justice Folorunsho further held that the charge sheet and proof of evidence did not suggest the prosecution was politically motivated. He dismissed the preliminary objection in its entirety and adjourned the case until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.