Appeal Court Dismisses Defamation, Cyberbullying Case Against Saraki

The Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has dismissed the criminal defamation and cyberbullying case filed by the Kwara State Government against former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, ruling that the charge and evidence presented did not disclose any offence.

In its unanimous judgment delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court held that the statements attributed to Saraki did not establish the alleged offences.

Justice Ridwan Maiwada Abdullahi, who delivered the judgment on behalf of the panel, comprising Justices Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole and Abdu Dogo, said the statements complained of by Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq were not capable of inciting violence or causing a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The court observed that the evidence and witness statements presented by the prosecution failed to establish that Saraki’s comments had resulted in any breach of the peace. Rather, the testimonies indicated that some individuals were dissatisfied with the statements.

It further held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Kwara State Penal Code and the relevant cybercrime laws were not enacted to protect individuals from statements they found objectionable.

The appellate court also emphasised that although the Attorneys-General of the federation and states possess broad powers to institute criminal proceedings, such powers must not be exercised in an oppressive or prejudicial manner or in violation of citizens’ fundamental human rights.

Consequently, the court ruled that the case instituted against Saraki at the Kwara State High Court over his comments concerning Governor Abdulrazaq’s educational background could not be sustained, as the charge failed to disclose an offence or establish the essential legal elements of the allegations.

Saraki had alleged that Governor Abdulrazaq did not complete his secondary education and that his educational background was affecting his judgment.

Saraki Reacts

Reacting to the judgment through his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki said the ruling had reaffirmed his belief that no individual, regardless of position or influence, could successfully silence dissenting voices, particularly when those in government failed to fulfil their responsibilities to the people.

The former Senate President expressed appreciation to the judiciary for what he described as its continued commitment to truth and justice.

He also urged his supporters to remain steadfast, describing the challenges associated with the case as temporary.

Saraki further stated that the administration had only seven months remaining in office, expressing confidence that the people of Kwara State would determine the political direction of the state.

He maintained that he would not hesitate to reiterate his position on the governor’s educational background if necessary, adding that he would continue to speak on issues of public interest.

The Court of Appeal’s decision marks a significant development in the legal dispute between the Kwara State Government and the former Senate President.