The Kwara State Government has filed a criminal defamation suit against former Senate President Bukola Saraki, accusing him of making false claims about the educational background of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The case, instituted before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, was filed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim, alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ayoola Akande, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, B.L. Abdulsalam.
The matter came up on Wednesday before Justice M.O. Folorunso.
According to court documents, the government alleged that Saraki, on April 17, 2026, published and circulated statements through social media and newspaper platforms claiming that AbdulRazaq did not attain secondary school education.
The prosecution argued that the publication was false, malicious and intended to bring the governor and the state government into disrepute.
It further alleged that the statements contained insulting and abusive expressions capable of provoking public unrest and disturbing public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.
At the proceedings, prosecuting counsel, R.O. Balogun, urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Saraki, arguing that the former Senate president failed to appear despite being served with the court processes.
“The defendant was duly served but failed to appear before the court. We, therefore, urge Your Lordship to issue a bench warrant to compel his attendance,” Balogun submitted.
He also opposed an application for adjournment filed by the defence, maintaining that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the case.
However, Saraki’s lawyer, Jimoh Mumini, challenged both the jurisdiction of the court and the validity of the service of the processes on his client.
“This matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. In addition, the defendant was not properly served with the processes relied upon by the prosecution,” Mumini argued.
After hearing submissions from both sides and standing down the matter for about two hours, Justice Folorunso ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment and fixed July 3, 2026, for the hearing of the preliminary objection and possible arraignment.
In a statement issued by his media office, Saraki’s legal team maintained that the social media posts in question constituted a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and a right of reply.
“Dr Saraki’s post on Facebook and X being complained of were mere exercises of his freedom of speech and right of reply, as the leader of the opposition to Governor Abdulrazaq’s political party,” the statement said.
The former Senate President appealed to his supporters across the state and beyond to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that all the oppressive tactics aimed at intimidating and silencing him would come to nought.
