Paternity case: Ex-minister Turaki arraigned, granted N1m bail
A former minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, has been arraigned on allegations of false marriage, adultery and other related offences. The minister, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was granted bail in the sum of N1 million. The police said the investigation followed a petition dated August 9, 2024, where […]
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A former minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, has been arraigned on allegations of false marriage, adultery and other related offences.
The minister, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was granted bail in the sum of N1 million.
The police said the investigation followed a petition dated August 9, 2024, where he was accused of deceitfully inducing a belief in a lawful marriage, adultery by a man, and criminal intimidation, which are contrary to sections 383, 387, and 388 of the Penal Code.
The charge reads, “That you, Barrister Kabiru Taminu Turaki (SAN), between December 2014 and August 2016, deceitfully cohabited with Ms Hadiza Musa Baffa at a hotel called Han’s Place.
“You also cohabited with her at Ideal Home Holiday, Asokoro, between August 2016 and November 2021. You rented an apartment for her at No. 12 Clement Akpamgbo Close, Guzape, in November 2021 and made her believe you were married to her. You continuously had sexual relations with her, which resulted in the birth of a baby girl.
“You abandoned Hadiza Musa Baffa and her child, denying paternity. You also threatened to use your influence and position to harm the mother and child.
“You are thereby suspected to have committed the above offences.”
The prosecuting counsel, Chijioke Okorie, requested a trial date after the ex-minister entered his plea.
The defendant’s lawyer, A. I. Mohammed, did not oppose the prosecution’s request but applied for bail, assuring the court that his client would be available whenever required.
Magistrate Abubakar Jega granted Turaki bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties in like sum. He ruled that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of residence. The case was adjourned until 11 March for a hearing.
Turaki had in an ex-parte application in 2024 sought to restrain the Inspector General of Police and family members of Musa Baffa, his wife, Uwani Arabi and daughter, Hadiza Baffa pending the determination of the suit filed before a high court over the paternity matter.
The ex-minister had claimed that Hadiza, her mother, Uwani and father, falsely accused him of being the father of her baby girl.