A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over alleged defamatory remarks made against Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The court, presided over by Justice Mohammed O. Folorunsho, dismissed Saraki’s preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and ruled that the criminal case should proceed.
The judge held that the charges disclosed offences recognized under the applicable laws and directed that the former Senate President appear for formal arraignment.
According to the prosecution, Saraki allegedly published statements on his verified social media platforms claiming that Governor AbdulRazaq did not possess a secondary school certificate, an allegation the state government describes as defamatory and capable of causing public unrest. Prosecutors further argued that the statements gained wider circulation after being reported by national newspapers.
The case is expected to draw significant public and political attention, given the long-standing rivalry between Saraki’s camp and the current Kwara State administration.
