From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Former Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has directed his legal team to appeal the ruling of the Kwara State High Court, which dismissed his objection to the court’s jurisdiction in the criminal defamation and cyberbullying case instituted against him by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The case came up on Friday before Justice M. O. Folorunso, at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin. Proceedings continued despite the absence of Saraki’s lead counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), after the court was informed that the senior lawyer was indisposed.
During the sitting, the court declined the prosecution’s request to issue a bench warrant against the former Senate President. However, it also rejected the defence’s argument that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, paving the way for the trial to continue. The case was subsequently adjourned until July 22.
Reacting to the development, Saraki’s legal team insisted that the question of jurisdiction remains fundamental and must be resolved before the substantive case can proceed.
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According to a statement issued by his media office, the former Senate President has instructed his lawyers to immediately challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal and ensure all necessary processes are filed before the next adjourned date.
“Dr Saraki’s lawyers have maintained their stance that jurisdiction is fundamental to the case and should be fully determined before the case can proceed,” the statement said.
It added, “Dr Saraki has subsequently mandated his lawyers to immediately activate the appeal process and ensure the processes are fully filed before the adjourned date fixed by the trial court.”
The case stems from a social media post made by Saraki on April 17, 2026, in response to an earlier statement issued by the Kwara State Government. The state government alleges that the post amounted to criminal defamation and cyberbullying against Governor AbdulRazaq.
The government also argued that Saraki’s comments questioning the governor’s educational qualifications were capable of causing a breakdown of public peace in the state.
On the other hand, Saraki’s lawyers argued that the court processes were improperly initiated and that the state High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the matter. They further maintained that the Facebook and X posts complained of were protected expressions of freedom of speech and constituted a legitimate right of reply by the leader of the opposition to the governor’s political party.
Reaffirming his confidence in the judicial process, Saraki said he believes the courts will ensure justice is done.
“Dr Saraki once again reiterates his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary and its ability to do justice to all parties, in all cases and situations,” the statement noted.
The former Senate President also urged his supporters in Kwara State and across the country to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the legal process continues.
He further assured Nigerians that he would not be deterred from speaking on matters of public interest despite the ongoing prosecution.
“He will continue to lend his voice to issues of public and national interest, in spite of the machinations by the outgoing Kwara State government to silence him,” the statement added.
Saraki also reiterated his earlier remarks to supporters, saying, “Mr Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s oppressive tendencies are mere inconveniences that will soon blow away. This is because the administration has only 10 months to stay in office and the tendency that it represents will be totally eradicated in Kwara State by the people.”
