…Ex-minister pleads not guilty
…Granted N1m bail
Former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Taminu Turaki (SAN), was arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja on Thursday over allegations of false marriage, adultery, and criminal intimidation.
The case was heard at Court Nine, Zone 2, before Magistrate Abubakar Jega. Turaki pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the former minister is accused of deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage, engaging in adultery, and criminal intimidation, all of which violate sections 383, 387, and 389 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution stated that the case was triggered by a petition dated August 9, 2024, submitted to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja.
Investigations revealed that between December 2014 and August 2016, Turaki allegedly cohabited with Ms. Hadiza Musa Baffa at Han’s Place Hotel.
He then moved with her to Ideal Home Holiday, Asokoro, from August 2016 to November 2021.
By November 2021, he allegedly rented a house for her at No. 12 Clement Akpagbo Close, Guzape, where he continued to make her believe they were legally married.
The relationship resulted in the birth of a child, but the FIR claims Turaki later abandoned both mother and child, denied paternity, and threatened their lives using his influence.
Following his arraignment, the prosecution’s lawyer, Chijioke Okorie, requested a trial date. Turaki’s lawyer, A. I. Mohammed, did not oppose the request but applied for bail, assuring the court that his client would be available whenever required.
Magistrate Jega granted bail to Turaki in the sum of N1 million with two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of residence. The case was adjourned to March 11, 2025, for trial.
