The Kwara State Government has filed a criminal defamation suit against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over alleged false statements concerning the educational qualification of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The case was instituted before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin by the state Attorney General, Senior Ibrahim, alongside officials of the Ministry of Justice, and came up for hearing on Wednesday before Justice M.O. Folorunso.
According to court filings, Mr Saraki allegedly made and circulated claims on 17 April 2026, via social media and newspapers, suggesting that Governor AbdulRazaq did not complete secondary school education.
Prosecution seeks arrest warrant
The prosecution alleged that the publication was false, malicious, and capable of undermining public peace and the reputation of the state government.
Prosecuting counsel, R.O. Balogun, urged the court to issue a bench warrant against Mr Saraki for failing to appear despite being served court processes.
“The defendant was duly served but failed to appear before the court. We urge Your Lordship to issue a bench warrant,” Mr Balogun said.
He also opposed an adjournment request by the defence, insisting that the prosecution was ready to proceed.
Defence challenges jurisdiction
Mr Saraki’s counsel, Jimoh Mumini, challenged both the jurisdiction of the court and the validity of service, arguing that the matter should properly be heard by a Federal High Court.
“This matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court,” he submitted.
After hearing arguments, Justice Folorunso ruled that the defendant was entitled to seek an adjournment and fixed 3 July 2026, for hearing of preliminary objections and possible arraignment.
Political tension in Kwara
The case marks a fresh escalation in the political and legal rivalry between the AbdulRazaq administration and Saraki’s political camp in Kwara State.
Earlier, the state government had filed a separate 20-count charge involving Mr Saraki, former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, and other aides over allegations linked to the 2018 Offa robbery investigation.
Mr Saraki has consistently denied wrongdoing, insisting he was previously cleared by security agencies and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Saraki defends free speech claim
In response to the latest suit, Mr Saraki’s media office said the disputed social media posts were an exercise of free speech and political expression.
His legal team maintained that the comments were made in response to earlier statements and fall within constitutionally protected rights.
The statement also accused the state government of using the courts to intimidate opposition figures, while alleging that governance concerns such as insecurity in parts of the state were being neglected.
Mr Saraki urged his supporters to remain calm, insisting that he has confidence in the judiciary to deliver justice in all matters.
He maintained that he would continue to defend himself against what he described as attempts to silence opposition voices in the state.
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