According to Channels Television on Friday, July 3, 2026, a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has fixed July 22, 2026, for the arraignment of former Senate President Bukola Saraki on a criminal defamation charge filed by the Kwara State Government.
The case relates to statements allegedly made and circulated by Saraki on or about April 17, 2026, questioning the educational qualifications of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Prosecutors allege the claims falsely suggested the governor did not complete secondary school and were intended to ridicule him, incite public disaffection and disrupt public peace, contrary to Section 399 of the Penal Code, Cap. P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006.
Saraki’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jimoh Mumini and represented by T.A. Ahmed, sought to dismiss the case, challenging the court’s jurisdiction, service of court processes and alleging an abuse of judicial process.
Justice M.O. Folorunsho dismissed all seven reliefs sought by the defence, ruling that the High Court has the jurisdiction to hear the matter and that the charge is legally valid. The judge also held that there was no evidence the prosecution was politically motivated and confirmed that Saraki’s personal attendance could be waived during the preliminary proceedings. The case was adjourned until July 22 for his formal arraignment.
