Kwara State Sues Bukola Saraki for Defamation Claims

The Kwara State Government has initiated a defamation lawsuit against former Senate President Bukola Saraki, accusing him of making false claims regarding Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq's educational qualifications. The suit was filed at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, with the state attorney general, Ibrahim, and director of public prosecution, Ayoola Akand, representing the government.

The allegations stem from a statement Saraki published on April 17, 2026, on social media, which the government claims was intended to tarnish Abdulrazaq's reputation and provoke public unrest, violating Section 399 of the Penal Code. Prosecuting counsel R.O.

Balogun requested a bench warrant for Saraki's arrest due to his failure to appear in court. Saraki's lawyer, Jimoh Mumini, contested the court's jurisdiction and the validity of the service process.

The court has adjourned the matter to July 3, 2026, for a preliminary hearing. This lawsuit follows a separate 20-count charge filed against Saraki earlier in April 2026, related to the 2018 Offa robbery incident.