ILORIN – A High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has dismissed the preliminary objection filed by former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and ordered that he be arraigned over alleged defamatory remarks against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, Justice M. O. Folorunsho held that the court has the jurisdiction to hear the criminal case, dismissing the defendant’s objection in its entirety.
Saraki’s legal team, led by Mr. Jimoh Adebimpe (SAN), who was represented in court by Mr. T. A. Hammed, had argued that the court lacked the legal authority to entertain the matter. The defence urged the court to strike out the charge and terminate the proceedings.
However, the prosecution, represented by Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN) and Chief Taye Oniyinde (SAN), maintained that the court was competent to hear the case. The prosecution argued that the charges disclosed offences recognised under the applicable criminal laws and urged the court to dismiss the objection.
In his ruling, Justice Folorunsho considered and resolved all 17 issues raised by the defence, finding no merit in the application.
“The preliminary objection lacks merit,” the judge ruled, dismissing all the grounds advanced by the defence against the criminal proceedings.
The court subsequently ordered that the case should proceed on its merits and directed Dr. Saraki to appear before the court for formal arraignment.
The charges stem from the alleged publication of insulting and derogatory statements said to be capable of causing a breach of public peace.
According to the prosecution, Saraki allegedly made defamatory statements against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through his verified social media accounts. The prosecution further claimed that the statements were republished by several national newspapers, giving them wider circulation.
Prosecutors alleged that Saraki falsely claimed the governor did not possess a Secondary School Certificate, a qualification required under the Nigerian Constitution for eligibility to contest the office of governor.
The state maintains that the alleged publication was defamatory, capable of damaging the governor’s reputation, and likely to incite public unrest.
The case has been adjourned until July 22, 2026, when Dr. Saraki is expected to enter his plea following his formal arraignment.
Kwara High Court Dismisses Saraki’s Objection, Orders Former Senate President’s Arraignment
