A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over an alleged defamatory statement against Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The Kwara State Government instituted criminal defamation proceedings against Saraki, accusing him of making and disseminating false and derogatory claims about the governor.

According to the charge, Saraki allegedly published and shared a statement on or about April 17, 2026, through social media platforms and newspapers, claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq lacked secondary school education. The prosecution contends that the statement was false and was deliberately circulated to insult and provoke the governor and the state government.

The charge further states that the publication was capable of causing a breakdown of public peace and therefore constituted an offence punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.

In a motion challenging the charge, Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), raised seven grounds, including improper service of court processes, lack of jurisdiction, and abuse of court process. He argued that the case was not triable before the state High Court.

Adopting the defendant’s written address on Thursday, Mumini, represented by T.A. Ahmed, urged the court to dismiss the charge and decline jurisdiction.

“In all, we pray the court to dismiss the charge before it. Looking at the position of our address, we urge the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter,” he said.

Responding, prosecution counsel Rafiu Balogun told the court that the state had filed a counter-affidavit on June 11, 2026, opposing the application.

“We opposed the motion on notice by filing a counter-affidavit on June 11, 2026. I pray the court to dismiss the application of the defendant/applicant. The application is frivolous and incongruous,” Balogun argued.

In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho dismissed all seven reliefs sought by the defence and ruled in favour of the prosecution. The judge held that the alleged offence was properly before the court and that it possessed the territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter.

“This court is blessed with territorial jurisdiction to hear this case,” Justice Folorunsho stated, adding that the allegation of criminal defamation against Saraki remained valid.

On the issue of Saraki’s physical appearance during the proceedings, the judge held that under Section 227(b), the court could dispense with the defendant’s presence in interlocutory applications.

“By the provision of Section 227(b), this application being interlocutory, this court can dispense with the physical presence of the defendant/applicant, which has been done up till when this ruling is being given,” he said.

Justice Folorunsho also dismissed claims that the case was politically motivated, noting that a review of the charge sheet and supporting evidence did not suggest any political undertone.

“An appraisal of the charge sheet and the accompanying proof of evidence does not in any way suggest it is a politically motivated action. In view of the above, I hold that the objection of the defendant/applicant lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed,” the judge ruled.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until July 22, 2026, for Saraki’s arraignment.