The Kwara State Government has dragged former Senate President Bukola Saraki before the State High Court in Ilorin over alleged criminal defamation, accusing him of spreading false claims about Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s educational qualifications
The suit was filed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim, alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ayoola Akande, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, B.L. Abdulsalam.
The case came up on Wednesday before Justice M.O. Folorunso.
According to the charge, the government alleged that Saraki, on April 17, 2026, published statements on social media and through newspaper platforms claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq did not complete secondary school education.
The prosecution described the allegations as false and malicious, arguing that they were deliberately made to damage the governor’s reputation and tarnish the image of the state government.
It further maintained that the statements contained abusive and insulting language capable of inciting public unrest and disrupting peace, an offence punishable under Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.
During proceedings, prosecuting counsel R.O. Balogun asked the court to issue a bench warrant against Saraki, stating that the former Senate president failed to appear in court despite being served with the necessary processes.
“The defendant was duly served but failed to appear before the court. We, therefore, urge Your Lordship to issue a bench warrant to compel his attendance,” Balogun said.
The prosecutor also opposed an adjournment request filed by the defence, insisting that the state was ready to proceed with the matter.
However, Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), challenged the court’s jurisdiction and questioned whether his client had been properly served.
“This matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. In addition, the defendant was not properly served with the processes relied upon by the prosecution,” Mumini argued.
After listening to both parties and briefly standing down the case, Justice Folorunso ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for the hearing of the preliminary objection and possible arraignment of the former Senate president.