News

Court Orders Saraki’s Arraignment Over Alleged Defamation Of AbdulRazaq

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedJuly 4, 2026

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and ordered that he be arraigned over alleged defamation.

Justice M. O. Folorunsho delivered the ruling on Friday, holding that the court had the jurisdiction to hear the criminal case.

The judge dismissed the preliminary objection in its entirety after considering arguments presented by both the defence and prosecution during earlier proceedings.

Saraki’s counsel, Mr Jimoh Adebimpe (SAN), represented by Mr T. A. Hammed, had urged the court to decline jurisdiction and strike out the charge, arguing that the court lacked the legal authority to entertain the matter.

However, the prosecution, led by Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN) and Chief Taye Oniyinde (SAN), maintained that the court was competent to hear the case and urged the judge to dismiss the objection, insisting that the charge disclosed offences recognised under the applicable criminal laws.

In his ruling, Justice Folorunsho resolved all 17 issues raised by the defendant and found no merit in the application.

“The preliminary objection lacks merit,” the judge ruled, dismissing all the grounds advanced by the defence against the criminal proceedings.

The court subsequently directed that the matter should proceed to trial and ordered Saraki to appear for his arraignment.

The charge centres on the alleged publication of insulting and derogatory remarks said to be capable of causing a breach of public peace.

According to the prosecution, Saraki allegedly made defamatory statements against Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, through his verified social media platforms.

The prosecution further alleged that the statements were republished by some national newspapers, giving the claims wider circulation.

Prosecutors said Saraki alleged that the governor did not possess a Secondary School Certificate, a constitutional requirement for contesting governorship elections.

They argued that the publication was defamatory, capable of damaging the governor’s reputation and likely to provoke public unrest.

The case was adjourned until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to take his plea following his formal arraignment. (NAN)

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.