Court Grants PDP Factional Chairman Turaki ₦100m Bail

According to Ireporter Online, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million to Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Turaki was arraigned before Justice Peter Kekemeke on a one-count charge bordering on allegedly providing false information to the police. The case, marked CR/647/2026, was instituted by the Inspector-General of Police, who alleged that Turaki submitted misleading information in a petition dated October 5, 2022.

The charge stated that the defendant allegedly gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police, an offence said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law. Turaki, however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in open court.

His counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Abulaziz Ibrahim, urged the court to grant bail, describing the defendant as a respected political figure, elder statesman, and community leader, while insisting that the offence was bailable.

Opposing the application, the prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, argued that the defendant had previously evaded service and failed to appear in court until he was declared wanted, urging the court to remand him in custody.

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail remains a constitutional right and noted that the defendant had voluntarily submitted himself to the court. The judge further held that the prosecution failed to establish that Turaki posed a flight risk.

Consequently, the court granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with not less than 20 years at the Bar or a legal practitioner with at least 40 years of experience.

The matter was adjourned until June 11 for hearing.