Saraki plans to challenge Kwara court decision in defamation case

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has told his lawyers to appeal a ruling by the Kwara State High Court. The court turned down his objection to its jurisdiction in a criminal defamation and cyberbullying case brought by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

A statement from Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, a press officer at the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office, said this decision followed a court session with Justice M. O. Folorunso in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Abdulqadir mentioned that the court did not grant the prosecution's request for a bench warrant against Saraki. However, it also rejected the defense's claim that it did not have the authority to hear the case.

"Dr Saraki has now instructed his lawyers to quickly start the appeal process and ensure all documents are filed before the adjourned date set by the trial court," the statement added.

The case is now delayed until 22 July.

Saraki's legal team argues that the issue of jurisdiction is important and should be settled before the main case continues. They advised him to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal because jurisdiction "goes to the root of the matter."

This case began from a social media post by Saraki, who was also a former governor of Kwara, on 17 April. He made the post in reaction to a statement from the Kwara State Government.

The state government claimed that Saraki's post was criminal defamation and cyberbullying against Governor AbdulRazaq. They argued that Saraki’s comments about the governor’s educational qualifications could lead to public unrest.

Saraki insists that his social media posts were part of his constitutional right to freedom of expression and a valid political response as an opposition leader.

The statement also mentioned that Saraki has faith in the judicial system. He called on his supporters to stay peaceful and respect the law while the legal process goes on.

PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that this issue came before the Kwara State High Court on 17 June. At that time, the prosecution asked the court to issue a bench warrant to force Saraki to appear.

During that session, Saraki’s lawyers argued against the application. They claimed that the prosecution had not followed proper procedures and that the court did not have the authority to handle the case.

The lawyers also stated that the Facebook and X posts mentioned by the prosecution were protected expressions made during political activities. Justice Folorunso chose not to decide on the jurisdiction issue right away and postponed the matter for further action.

Saraki's decision to appeal means the Court of Appeal will now decide if the Kwara High Court has the power to hear the case before the main trial takes place. The appeal is expected to be filed before the next hearing on 22 July.