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

The Kwara State Government instituted criminal defamation proceedings against Saraki, alleging that he published and shared a statement on or about 17 April 2026 on social media and in newspapers containing insulting, derogatory and abusive remarks that Governor AbdulRazaq was not educated up to secondary school level.

According to the charge, the state alleged that Saraki knew, or ought to have known, that the statement was false but intentionally published it in a manner intended to insult or provoke the Governor and the Kwara State Government. The prosecution further alleged that the publication was capable of causing a breakdown of public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.

In a motion on notice, counsel to the defendant, Jimoh Mumeen (SAN), raised seven principal reliefs challenging the proceedings on the grounds of improper service, lack of jurisdiction, abuse of court process and other issues. He argued that the matter was not triable before the Kwara State High Court.

Adopting the defendant's written address, Mumeen, represented by T.A. Ahmed, urged the court to dismiss the charge.

"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 informed the court that the state had opposed the application by filing a counter-affidavit on 11 June 2026.

"I pray the court to dismiss the application of the defendant/applicant. The application is frivolous and incongruous," Balogun submitted.

In his ruling, Justice M.O. Folorunsho resolved all seven reliefs sought by the defendant in favour of the prosecution. The judge held that the alleged offence was triable before the court and affirmed that it had the territorial jurisdiction to hear the matter.

Justice Folorunsho also stated that the allegation of criminal defamation remained pending against Senator Saraki.

"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 is without any iota, and it is accordingly hereby dismissed," the judge ruled.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until 22 July 2026 for Saraki's arraignment.