The Court of Appeal in Ilorin has dismissed the criminal defamation and cyberbullying charges filed by the Kwara State Government against former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi, alongside Justices Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole and Abdu Dogo, the appellate court held that the evidence presented failed to disclose any offence committed by Saraki.
The court ruled that comments made by the former Senate President concerning Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s educational background did not incite violence or threaten public order in Kwara State.
According to the court, witness statements submitted by the prosecution merely indicated dissatisfaction with Saraki’s remarks rather than evidence of criminal conduct.
The judges further held that provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Kwara State Penal Code and cybercrime laws were not intended to shield individuals from statements they found uncomfortable.
The court also stressed that prosecutorial powers vested in attorneys-general must not be exercised in a manner that violates citizens’ fundamental rights.
Consequently, it declared the charges unsustainable and ordered the case struck out.
Reacting to the judgment, Saraki welcomed the decision, describing it as another affirmation of the right to free expression and dissent.
He commended the judiciary for defending justice and maintaining the rule of law, while insisting that he would continue to speak on issues of public interest.
