Kwara Govt Drags Saraki to Court Over Alleged Cyberbullying, Defamation

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has been dragged before a Kwara State High Court over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation brought by the administration of Governor 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.

According to the governor’s legal team, the post allegedly contained remarks that damaged AbdulRazaq’s reputation and amounted to cyberbullying and defamation.

The matter came up for hearing on Wednesday before Justice M. O. Folorunso of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.

A team of lawyers representing Saraki appeared in court to defend the former Senate President and two-term governor of Kwara State.

During proceedings, counsel to Governor AbdulRazaq argued that Saraki’s social media comments questioned the governor’s educational qualifications and could potentially incite public unrest in the state.

The governor’s legal representatives maintained that the statements were capable of causing a breakdown of public peace and therefore warranted legal action.

They consequently urged the court to issue a bench warrant and compel Saraki to personally appear before the court in connection with the allegations.

However, Saraki’s legal team challenged the competence of the suit, arguing that the case was improperly filed and that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

According to the defence, the issues raised by the prosecution go to the root of the entire case and should be addressed before any substantive hearing can proceed.

The lawyers further argued that Saraki’s comments on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, were made in the exercise of his constitutional right to freedom of expression and constituted a legitimate response to statements issued by the state government.

They also contended that as a leading opposition figure in Kwara State, Saraki had the right to engage in political commentary and respond to issues raised by the ruling administration.

After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Folorunso adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the applications filed by both sides.

Meanwhile, Saraki has appealed to his supporters across Kwara State and beyond to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding while the legal process continues.