Cyberbullying Charges: You Can’t Silence Me, Saraki Tells AbdulRazaq, Urges Supporters to Remain Calm
Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has declared that he will not be intimidated or silenced by what he described as attempts by the Kwara State Government to use the courts to suppress opposition voices, assuring his supporters that the administration of Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has only 11 months remaining in office.
Saraki made the remarks on Wednesday following proceedings before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, where he is facing allegations of criminal defamation and cyberbullying arising from a social media post he made on April 17, 2026.
According to a statement issued by his Media Office, lawyers representing the former Senate President, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jimoh Mumini, appeared before Justice M. O. Folorunso to challenge the case filed against him by the state government.
The governor’s legal team argued that Saraki’s social media comments questioning AbdulRazaq’s educational qualifications were capable of causing a breakdown of public peace and sought a bench warrant and court order compelling him to appear before the court.
However, Saraki’s lawyers maintained that the case was improperly filed, questioned the jurisdiction of the court, and argued that the statements complained of were protected under the constitutional right to freedom of expression and constituted a legitimate response to an earlier attack on his reputation by the state government.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Folorunso adjourned the matter until July 3, 2026, for ruling on the various applications before the court.
Reacting to the development, Saraki accused the Kwara State Government of repeatedly using the judicial process to harass opposition figures whenever they criticize the policies and actions of the administration.
He said the government’s decision to pursue the case reflected misplaced priorities at a time when many communities across Kwara State were grappling with serious security challenges.
Saraki specifically referenced the abduction of 176 women and children from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area, who, according to him, have remained in captivity for months. He also cited repeated attacks on communities in parts of Kwara North and Kwara South, as well as reported invasions of traditional rulers’ palaces by armed criminals, saying such incidents deserved greater attention from the government than a dispute over social media comments.
The former Senate President argued that insecurity, kidnappings, banditry, and attacks on rural communities had become major concerns for residents in several parts of the state, insisting that government resources should be directed towards protecting lives and securing the release of victims rather than prosecuting political opponents.
He further questioned the mobilization of government officials, supporters, and media personnel to the court premises, saying the same energy could have been deployed to address the worsening security situation and provide relief to affected communities.
Despite his criticism of the administration, Saraki expressed confidence in the judiciary and pledged to continue defending his position through legal means.
He called on his supporters across Kwara State and beyond to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, insisting that the court case and other actions taken against him would not deter him from speaking on matters of public interest.
“All these oppressive tactics aimed at intimidating and silencing me will come to nothing,” Saraki said, adding that he would continue to speak out on issues affecting the people and hold those in authority accountable.
He maintained that attempts to suppress dissenting voices would not succeed, stressing that democracy thrives on free speech and constructive criticism.
Saraki also told his supporters that the actions of the current administration should be viewed as temporary challenges, noting that Governor AbdulRazaq’s tenure has only 11 months remaining in office.
According to him, the people of Kwara State will ultimately determine the state’s future direction, expressing confidence that what he described as the administration’s “oppressive tendencies” would soon come to an end.
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