Court Sets July 22 for Saraki’s Arraignment in Alleged Defamation Case

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki will be arraigned on July 22, 2026, after a Kwara State High Court dismissed his preliminary objections in a criminal defamation suit filed by the Kwara State Government.
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‎The state government accused Saraki of publishing and circulating a statement on April 17, 2026, through social media and newspaper platforms, alleging that AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq did not attain secondary school education. Prosecutors claim the statement was false, insulting, and deliberately intended to ridicule the governor and incite public disorder, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code Laws of Kwara State.
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‎Saraki, through his lead counsel, Jimoh Mumeen (SAN), represented in court by T.A. Ahmed, challenged the case by asking the court to decline jurisdiction. The defence argued that the charge suffered from improper service, abuse of court process, and other legal defects, insisting that the matter was not one the state High Court could entertain.
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‎The prosecution, led by Rafiu Balogun, urged the court to reject the application. Balogun told the court that the defence’s motion lacked merit and should be dismissed.
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‎In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho dismissed all seven objections raised by the defence, holding that the court has the territorial jurisdiction to hear the case. He also ruled that the charge of criminal defamation against Saraki remains valid and should proceed to trial.
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‎The judge further held that Saraki’s physical presence was not required while the court considered the interlocutory application, noting that the request to postpone his arraignment had become unnecessary following the ruling.
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‎Justice Folorunsho also rejected claims that the prosecution was politically motivated, stating that the charge and the accompanying evidence did not suggest any political agenda behind the case.
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‎Following the ruling, the court adjourned proceedings until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to appear before the court to take his plea on the criminal defamation charge.