Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has been dragged before the Kwara State High Court over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation filed by AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The suit stems from a social media post made by Saraki on April 17, 2026, in response to an earlier statement issued by the Kwara State Government. Governor AbdulRazaq alleged that the post damaged his reputation and amounted to cyberbullying and defamation.
A team of senior lawyers representing Saraki appeared before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday to defend the former Senate President and two-term governor of the state.
According to the governor’s legal team, Saraki’s remarks questioning AbdulRazaq’s educational qualifications were capable of inciting public unrest and disrupting peace in the state. They consequently urged the court to issue a bench warrant compelling Saraki’s appearance.
However, counsel to the former Senate President challenged the validity of the case, arguing that the prosecution failed to properly file the court processes. They further maintained that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
The defence also contended that the Facebook and X posts cited in the suit were protected expressions of free speech and constituted a legitimate response by Saraki in his capacity as a leading opposition figure in the state.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice M. O. Folorunso adjourned the case until July 3, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on the applications filed by both sides.
Meanwhile, Saraki has appealed to his supporters across Kwara State and beyond to remain calm and law-abiding.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the former Senate President described the legal action as part of efforts to intimidate and silence him. He, however, vowed to continue speaking on issues of public interest.
Saraki expressed confidence that the legal challenge would not deter him from exercising his constitutional rights, insisting that he would not remain silent on matters affecting the people of the state.
He also urged his supporters to remain steadfast, describing the ongoing developments as temporary distractions that would eventually pass.
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