Kwara Government Charges Saraki with Defamation

The Kwara State Government has initiated legal proceedings against former Senate President Bukola Saraki, accusing him of defamation. The charges were filed by the Attorney General's office, represented by Ibrahim Sulyman and Ayoola Idowu Akand, on behalf of the people of Kwara.

Saraki is alleged to have published statements on social media, including Facebook and newspapers, on April 17, 2026, claiming that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq lacks secondary school educational qualifications necessary for governance. The statements are said to be false and intended to insult and provoke the governor, potentially causing a breakdown of public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code of Kwara State 2006.

During a court session on Wednesday, prosecuting counsel R.O. Balogun informed the court of the arraignment schedule and requested a bench warrant against Saraki for failing to appear.

Defense counsel Jimoh Mumini, SAN, challenged the jurisdiction of the state high court, arguing the matter should be heard in the federal high court. The court adjourned the case until July 3, 2026, to consider preliminary objections.