Saraki Appeals Defamation Suit by Kwara Governor

Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President, is appealing a defamation suit initiated against him by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. This decision follows a ruling by the Kwara State High Court, presided over by Justice M.O.

Folorunso, which dismissed preliminary objections challenging the court's jurisdiction. The case has been adjourned until July 22 for further proceedings.

Saraki's lawyer, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, stated that they would immediately file an appeal regarding the jurisdictional issues. The defamation suit stems from a social media post made by Saraki on April 17, 2026, which allegedly questioned the governor's educational qualifications and claimed it could breach public peace.

The prosecution had sought a bench warrant against Saraki, but the court declined this request. Saraki maintains that the social media post was an exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of expression and remains confident in the judiciary's ability to dispense justice.