By Miracle Ogunde
A former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, has been granted bail by a Federal Capital Territory Magistrate’s Court.
Following his arraignment on allegations of false marriage, adultery, and other related offences, the former minister was granted bail in the sum of N1 million.
As reported by Punch, Turaki, who was arraigned on Thursday, pleaded not guilty when the First Information Report was read to him in court.
The investigation was based on a petition dated August 9, 2024, and was prosecuted by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Abuja.
The prosecutor stated that Turaki was accused of deceitfully inducing a belief in a lawful marriage, adultery by a man, and criminal intimidation — offences contrary to Sections 383, 387, and 389 of the Penal Code.
The FIR stated: “You, Barrister Kabiru Taminu Turaki (SAN), between December 2014 and August 2016, deceitfully cohabited with Ms Hadiza Musa Bafta 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 Akpagbo 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.
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“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 trial.
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