Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has directed his lawyers to challenge the ruling of a Kwara State High Court which dismissed his objection to the court’s jurisdiction in a criminal defamation and cyberbullying case filed against him by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

The matter came up before Justice M. O. Folorunso in Ilorin, where proceedings continued despite the absence of Saraki’s lead counsel, Jimoh Mumini, who was said to be indisposed.

Although the court refused the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant against the former Senate President, it rejected the defence argument that it lacked the authority to hear the case and adjourned further proceedings to July 22.

Saraki’s legal team said the question of jurisdiction is fundamental and must be settled before the substantive charges can proceed. In a statement issued by his media office, the lawyers said an appeal would be filed immediately at the Court of Appeal before the next adjourned date.

The case arose from a social media post Saraki made on April 17, 2026, in response to an earlier statement by the Kwara State Government. The government alleged that the post amounted to criminal defamation and cyberbullying against Governor AbdulRazaq.

Prosecutors argued that Saraki’s comments questioning the governor’s educational qualification were capable of disturbing public peace. The defence, however, insisted that the posts were a lawful exercise of freedom of expression and a legitimate reply by an opposition leader.

Saraki said he remains confident in the judiciary and will pursue all lawful options available to him. He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law abiding as the case continues.

The appeal is expected to determine whether the High Court can continue with the criminal proceedings.