Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is set to appeal a Kwara State High Court ruling that held it has jurisdiction to hear a criminal suit filed against him by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The case, which concerns an alleged criminalisation of free speech, came up on Friday before Justice M. O. Folorunso in Ilorin. Proceedings went ahead despite the absence of Dr. Saraki’s lead counsel, Mr. Jimoh Mumini, SAN, who was reported to be indisposed.

The court declined the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant against Dr. Saraki. It also dismissed the defence’s argument that the State High Court lacked jurisdiction and should decline to hear the matter. The judge adjourned the case to July 22, 2026.

Dr. Saraki’s lawyers said jurisdiction was fundamental to the case and must be determined before trial could proceed. They have been mandated to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal before the next adjourned date.

The suit stems from an April 17, 2026 social media post by Dr. Saraki responding to a Kwara State Government statement. The government alleged the post amounted to criminal defamation and cyberbullying against Governor AbdulRazaq, particularly over comments questioning his academic qualifications.

At a June 17 hearing, the prosecution sought a bench warrant and an order to compel Dr. Saraki’s appearance. The defence countered that the processes were improperly filed, the court lacked jurisdiction, and the posts on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, were protected under freedom of expression.

Dr. Saraki, through his media office, said he remains confident in the judiciary. He also urged supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, adding that the current administration had 10 months left in office.