Kwara takes Saraki to court for alleged slander

The Kwara State Government has initiated a criminal defamation case against Dr. Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, in response to comments he allegedly made about Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

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The case was brought before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday, with the government claiming that Saraki had disseminated and published false statements on social media and in newspapers regarding Governor AbdulRazaq's educational background, specifically that he did not complete secondary school.

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A one-count charge was filed by the State Ministry of Justice, stating that the statements were not only false but also insulting and had the potential to incite public unrest, thus violating Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code.

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During the proceedings on Wednesday, the prosecution counsel, Rafiu Balogun, requested that the judge issue a bench warrant for the defendant's arrest due to his failure to appear in court despite being served with the necessary documents.

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The prosecution also requested that the court dismiss the defense's application for an adjournment, emphasizing that Saraki's presence was required for the arraignment to proceed.

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However, Jimoh Mumini, SAN, the counsel representing the former Senate President, challenged the state high court's jurisdiction over the matter, arguing that it fell under the purview of the Federal High Court, and also questioned the validity of the court processes served on his client.

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Following a two-hour recess and arguments from both parties, Justice Mohammed Folorunso, the presiding judge, ruled that the defendant was entitled to request an adjournment.

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The court then adjourned the case until July 3, 2026, to hear the preliminary objection and potentially arraign the defendant.