Court Sets July 3 for Saraki Arraignment in Defamation Case

A Kwara State High Court has fixed July 3, 2026, to hear a preliminary objection and proceed with the potential arraignment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki in a criminal defamation case initiated by the Kwara State Government.

The criminal charges, filed by the Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, center on remarks Saraki allegedly made against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to the charge sheet, Saraki published statements across social media platforms and newspapers on April 17, 2026, claiming that the governor lacked the required secondary school educational qualifications. The state government characterized the publication as false, derogatory, and a deliberate attempt to incite public unrest, violating Section 399 of the Penal Code of Kwara State.

During the court proceedings, prosecution counsel R.O. Balogun requested a bench warrant for Saraki’s arrest due to his absence from court. Balogun argued that since Saraki’s legal representative was present, the former Senate President was fully aware of the trial and lacked a valid reason for non-appearance.

In defense, Saraki’s attorney, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), strongly opposed the warrant and challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the case falls under the purview of the Federal High Court rather than the State High Court. Mumini also raised technical issues regarding the delivery of the legal documents, maintaining that his client had not been properly and formally served with the court processes.

Following a two-hour recess to review the arguments, Justice M.O. Folorunso declined the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant, ruling that the defense was within its rights to seek an adjournment. The case was subsequently deferred to July 3 to address the jurisdictional objections before any arraignment can take place.

The ongoing legal dispute comes amid a climate of renewed political tension in Kwara State. Relations between the state administration and the former Senate President have soured further following the government’s decision to revisit details surrounding the 2018 Offa robbery case a move Saraki has repeatedly labeled a politically motivated smear campaign, pointing to past federal legal advice that cleared him of any involvement.