Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has been dragged before a Kwara State High Court over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation brought against him by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Governor Abdulrazaq alleged that a social media post made by Saraki on April 17, 2026, in response to an earlier statement by the Kwara State Government, was defamatory and amounted to cyberbullying.
A team of lawyers representing the former Senate President appeared before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday to defend Saraki, who also served as a two-term governor of the state.
According to the governor, Saraki’s social media comments questioning his educational qualifications were capable of damaging his reputation and causing a breakdown of public peace in the state.
During proceedings before Justice M.O. Folorunso, counsel to Governor Abdulrazaq urged the court to issue a bench warrant and compel Saraki to appear before it.
However, Saraki’s legal team challenged the suit, arguing that the processes were improperly filed and that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
The defence further maintained that the social media posts on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, were protected under Saraki’s constitutional right to freedom of expression and constituted a legitimate response in his capacity as a leading opposition figure in the state.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Folorunso adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for ruling 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 Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, the former Senate President described the legal action as an attempt to intimidate and silence him, insisting that he would continue to speak on issues of public interest.
Saraki assured his supporters that the alleged oppressive tactics against him would not succeed and urged them to remain steadfast.
He also described the situation as a temporary inconvenience, expressing confidence that it would soon pass, while noting that the current administration has only 11 months remaining in office.
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