The Kwara State Government has instituted a criminal defamation case against Bukola Saraki, accusing the former Senate President of making false statements about the educational background of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The matter is currently before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, where the government alleges that Saraki published and circulated claims suggesting that Governor AbdulRazaq neither attended nor completed secondary school education.

According to the charge filed by the State Ministry of Justice, the statements were false, offensive, and capable of undermining public confidence in the governor. The prosecution further argued that the remarks could disturb public peace and therefore constitute an offence under Section 399 of the Kwara State Penal Code.

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During Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Rafiu Balogun informed the court that the matter had been scheduled for arraignment. He requested that the court issue a bench warrant against Saraki, arguing that the former Senate President failed to appear despite having been served with court documents.

The prosecution also opposed an application for adjournment from the defence team, maintaining that Saraki’s personal appearance was necessary for the arraignment process to proceed.

However, counsel to Saraki, Jimoh Mumini (SAN), challenged the court’s jurisdiction. He argued that the case ought to be handled by the Federal High Court rather than the state high court. The defence also raised concerns regarding the manner in which court processes were served on the former Senate President.

Following submissions from both parties, the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Folorunso, briefly adjourned proceedings before delivering a ruling. The court held that the defence was entitled to seek an adjournment and subsequently postponed the matter.

The case has now been adjourned until July 3, 2026. At the next sitting, the court is expected to hear arguments on the defence’s jurisdictional objection and, if appropriate, proceed with Saraki’s arraignment.

The legal dispute adds a new dimension to the political rivalry that has shaped Kwara State politics over the years, with both sides expected to vigorously contest the allegations as the case progresses through the judicial process.