Inside the Court ruling that sent Saraki back to the dock

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, clearing the way for his arraignment over alleged defamatory statements against Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Justice M.O. Folorunsho, in a ruling delivered on Friday, held that the court has the jurisdiction to entertain the criminal charge and dismissed all objections raised by the former Senate President.

The judge ruled that the application lacked merit after considering submissions by both the prosecution and the defence, resolving all 17 issues raised by Saraki against him.

“The preliminary objection lacks merit,” Justice Folorunsho declared, ordering that the case proceed to trial.

The court subsequently directed Saraki to appear for arraignment and take his plea on the criminal charge.

Saraki’s legal team, led by Jimoh Adebimpe (SAN) and represented in court by T.A. Hammed, had urged the court to decline jurisdiction and strike out the charge, arguing that the court lacked the legal authority to hear the matter.

However, the prosecution, led by Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN) and Chief Taye Oniyinde (SAN), opposed the application, insisting that the charge disclosed offences recognised under the applicable criminal laws and urging the court to dismiss the objection.

Justice Folorunsho agreed with the prosecution, paving the way for the commencement of the criminal proceedings.

The case stems from allegations that Saraki published insulting and derogatory statements capable of causing a breach of public peace.

According to the prosecution, the former Senate President allegedly made defamatory remarks against Governor AbdulRazaq through his verified social media platforms, after which the statements were reportedly republished by several national newspapers, giving them wider circulation.

Prosecutors specifically alleged that Saraki claimed the governor did not possess a Secondary School Certificate, a constitutional requirement for contesting governorship elections.

The prosecution contends that the publication was defamatory, capable of damaging the governor’s reputation and likely to incite public unrest.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that following Friday’s ruling, Justice Folorunsho adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to be formally arraigned and enter his plea to the charges.