Former Senate President Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki has directed his legal team to appeal the ruling of the Kwara State High Court affirming its jurisdiction to hear the criminal defamation and cyberbullying case instituted against him by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

 

The case came up on Friday before Justice M. O. Folorunso of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.

 

Although the court declined the prosecution’s request to issue a bench warrant against Saraki, it also rejected the defence’s preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the matter until July 22, 2026.

 

The lead defence counsel, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), was absent from the proceedings after the court was informed that he was indisposed.

 

In a statement issued after the hearing, Saraki’s legal team maintained that the issue of jurisdiction is fundamental and should be conclusively determined before the substantive case proceeds.

 

The lawyers advised the former Senate President to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal, arguing that jurisdiction goes to the root of the case.

 

Saraki subsequently directed his lawyers to immediately commence the appeal process and ensure all necessary court processes are filed before the next hearing date.

 

The case arose from a social media post made by Saraki on April 17, 2026, in response to an earlier statement by the Kwara State Government which he said attacked his reputation.

 

The state government alleged that Saraki’s posts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) amounted to criminal defamation and cyberbullying against Governor AbdulRazaq.

 

According to the prosecution, Saraki’s comments questioning the governor’s educational qualifications were capable of causing a breach of public peace in the state.

 

At an earlier hearing on June 17, 2026, the prosecution had asked the court to issue a bench warrant compelling Saraki’s appearance.

 

The defence, however, argued that the originating processes were improperly filed, that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter, and that Saraki’s social media posts constituted an exercise of his constitutional rights to freedom of expression and reply as a leading opposition figure.

 

Despite the jurisdictional dispute, Saraki reaffirmed his confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, expressing optimism that justice would prevail.

 

He said he had instructed his lawyers to vigorously defend his position through all available legal channels.

 

The former Senate President also appealed to his supporters in Kwara State and across the country to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

 

He assured them that he would continue to speak on matters of public and national interest despite what he described as attempts by the outgoing Kwara State administration to silence him.

 

Saraki further reiterated his belief that the current administration in Kwara has limited time left in office and urged his supporters to remain focused on democratic engagement.