Ilorin: A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, and ordered him to appear for arraignment over alleged defamatory publications.
Justice M.O. Folorunsho delivered the ruling on Friday, holding that the court had the jurisdiction to entertain the criminal charge.
The judge dismissed the defendant’s preliminary objection in its entirety after considering arguments presented by both the defence and the prosecution.
Saraki’s counsel, Mr Jimoh Adebimpe (SAN), represented by Mr T.A. Hammed had urged the court to decline jurisdiction and strike out the charge.
The defence argued that the court lacked the legal authority to hear the matter and sought the termination of the criminal proceedings.
However, the prosecution, led by Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN) and Chief Taye Oniyinde (SAN), maintained that the court was competent to hear the case.
The prosecution urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection, arguing that the charge disclosed offences recognised under the applicable criminal laws.
In his ruling, Justice Folorunsho resolved all 17 issues raised by the defendant and found no merit in the application.
“The preliminary objection lacks merit,” the judge ruled, dismissing all the grounds advanced by the defence.
He consequently directed that the case should proceed on its merits and ordered Saraki to appear before the court for arraignment.
The charge borders on the alleged publication of insulting and derogatory statements said to be capable of causing a breach of the peace.
According to the prosecution, Saraki allegedly made defamatory remarks against Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through his verified social media platforms.
The prosecution further alleged that the statements were subsequently published by some national newspapers, giving them wider circulation.
Prosecutors claimed Saraki alleged that the governor did not possess a Secondary School Certificate, a constitutional requirement for contesting the office of governor.
They contended that the publication was defamatory, capable of damaging the governor’s reputation and likely to provoke public unrest.
The court adjourned the case until July 22, 2026, when Saraki is expected to take his plea following his formal arraignment.
