Court orders Saraki’s arraignment over Kwara’s alleged defamation suit

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Dr Bukola Saraki

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A Kwara High Court sitting in Ilorin has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and ordered his arraignment.

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Read Also: Kwara drags Saraki to court over defamation

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

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

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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.

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The defence argued that the court lacked the legal authority to entertain the matter and requested that the criminal proceedings be terminated at that stage.

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However, the prosecution, led by Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN) and Chief Taye Oniyinde (SAN), insisted that the court was competent to hear the case.

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The prosecution prayed the court to dismiss the preliminary objection, maintaining that the charge disclosed offences recognised under the applicable criminal laws.

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

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

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Justice Folorunsho consequently directed that the case should proceed on its merits and ordered Saraki to appear before the court for arraignment.

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The criminal charge borders on the alleged publication of insulting and derogatory remarks considered capable of causing a breach of public peace.

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

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The prosecution further alleged that the statements were subsequently published by some national newspapers, thereby giving the allegations wider public circulation.

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Prosecutors claimed Saraki alleged that the governor did not possess a Secondary School Certificate, which is a constitutional qualification for contesting governorship elections.

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The prosecution contends that the alleged publication was defamatory and capable of damaging the governor’s reputation while provoking public unrest.

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Following the ruling, the court adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to take his plea after formal arraignment. NAN

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