Kwara Govt. sues Saraki for defamation

The Kwara State Government has instituted a criminal defamation suit against former Senate President Bukola Saraki over alleged comments directed at Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The case was heard at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, where the state government accused Saraki of publishing and circulating statements on social media and in newspapers claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq did not complete secondary school education.

In the one-count charge filed by the State Ministry of Justice, the alleged publication was described as false, defamatory, and capable of inciting public unrest, contrary to Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Rafiu Balogun informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and applied for a bench warrant against Saraki, who was absent despite being duly served.

The prosecution also opposed an adjournment request from the defence, arguing that the presence of the defendant was necessary for arraignment.

Counsel to Saraki, Jimoh Mumini, SAN, however challenged the jurisdiction of the state High Court, arguing that the case falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He also questioned whether the court processes were properly served on his client.

After hearing arguments from both parties and a brief recess, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Folorunso, ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to July 3, 2026, for hearing of the preliminary objection and possible arraignment.