Court dismisses Saraki’s objection, fixes July 22 for arraignment in defamation suit

A Kwara state high court has dismissed the preliminary objections filed by Bukola Saraki, former senate president, challenging its jurisdiction to hear a criminal defamation suit instituted against him by the state government.

Justice M.O. Folorunso, in a ruling delivered on Friday, held that the court has the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter and struck out the seven objections raised by the defence.

The court, however, declined the prosecution’s application seeking a bench warrant against Saraki for failing to appear in court.

The case arose from a social media post allegedly made by Saraki on April 17, in which he claimed that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq did not complete secondary school.

The state government alleged that the publication was false, insulting and capable of causing a breach of public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Kwara state penal code.

At the previous hearing, the prosecution sought a bench warrant following Saraki’s absence, but the defence challenged both the competence of the charge and the court’s jurisdiction, while also questioning the service of court processes.

Following Friday’s ruling, Justice Folorunso fixed July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.

Reacting after the proceedings, Saraki’s media office explained that Jimoh Mumini (SAN), his lead counsel was unable to attend court due to ill health.

The former senate president said he had directed his legal team to appeal the court’s decision on jurisdiction before the next hearing, insisting that the issue should be resolved before the substantive trial begins.

Saraki also expressed confidence in the judiciary and urged his supporters to remain calm as the legal process continues.