Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki has instructed his legal team to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal against a Kwara State High Court decision dismissing his preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction in a criminal defamation and cyberbullying suit filed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Justice M. O. Folorunso at the High Court in Ilorin. Proceedings went ahead in the absence of Saraki’s lead counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), who was reported indisposed. While the court rejected the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant against the former Senate President, it overruled the defence’s argument that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter. The case was adjourned to July 22 for further hearing.
Saraki’s media office, in a statement issued by Press Officer Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, described the jurisdiction issue as fundamental to the case. “The issue of jurisdiction goes to the root of the matter,” the statement quoted Saraki’s lawyers as saying, adding that the appeal would be concluded before the next adjourned date.
The charges against Saraki stem from a social media post he made on April 17, 2026, responding to a statement from the Kwara State Government. Prosecutors allege that the post, which questioned Governor AbdulRazaq’s educational qualifications, constitutes criminal defamation and cyberbullying capable of causing a breakdown of public peace.
Defence lawyers had earlier argued that the charges were improperly filed and that the social media comments on Facebook and X represented a legitimate exercise of Saraki’s constitutional right to freedom of expression as an opposition leader.
Reacting to the development, Saraki reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary. “I have confidence in the Nigerian judiciary and its ability to do justice to all parties in every case,” he said. He urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the legal process.
The former Senate President also vowed to continue speaking on issues of public interest, describing the governor’s actions as “oppressive tendencies” that are “mere inconveniences.” He noted that the current administration has only 10 months left in office and would be voted out by the people of Kwara State.
The outcome of the appeal is expected to determine whether the High Court can proceed with hearing the substantive criminal charges.
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