Political Firestorm: Kwara Govt Sues Saraki Over AbdulRazaq Remarks

The Kwara State Government has initiated a criminal defamation lawsuit against former Senate President Bukola Saraki. The legal action stems from comments allegedly made and circulated by Mr. Saraki on social media and in various newspapers, claiming that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq did not attend or complete secondary school.

According to the charge sheet filed by the state Ministry of Justice before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, the government asserts that these statements are false and possess the potential to cause public disturbance. This, the prosecution argues, is contrary to Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code.

During court proceedings on Wednesday, prosecution counsel Rafiu Balogun informed the court that the case was scheduled for arraignment. Citing Mr. Saraki's absence despite being served with court documents, Balogun requested the court to issue a bench warrant against the former Senate President. Furthermore, the prosecution urged the court to reject an application for adjournment filed by the defense, emphasizing the necessity of Saraki's presence for the arraignment.

In response, Jimoh Mumini, counsel to Bukola Saraki, challenged the court's jurisdiction, contending that the matter should properly be heard by the Federal High Court. Mumini also raised questions regarding the method by which the court documents were served upon his client.

After considering arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, Justice Mohammed Folorunso ruled that the defense was permitted to apply for an adjournment. The court subsequently adjourned the matter until July 3, at which point it will hear the objection raised by the defense regarding jurisdiction and, potentially, proceed with the arraignment.