By Peter Omopo
The Kwara State Government has instituted a criminal defamation suit against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over alleged comments made against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The case was mentioned before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday, where the state government accused Saraki of publishing and circulating statements through social media and newspaper platforms alleging that Governor AbdulRazaq did not attain secondary school education.
According to the one-count charge filed by the Kwara State Ministry of Justice, the statements were allegedly false, insulting, and capable of causing public unrest, contrary to Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code.
During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Rafiu Balogun, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Saraki for failing to appear despite being served with court processes.
The prosecution also opposed an application for adjournment filed by the defence, arguing that the defendant’s presence was necessary for the arraignment to proceed.
However, counsel to the former Senate President, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), challenged the jurisdiction of the state high court, contending that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. He also questioned the validity of the service of court documents on his client.
After hearing submissions from both parties and taking a two-hour recess, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Folorunso, ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for the hearing of the preliminary objection and the possible arraignment of the former Senate President.
