Former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), has been arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Zone Two, Abuja, on charges related to false marriage, adultery, and criminal intimidation.
Turaki, who appeared before Magistrate Abubakar Jega of Court Nine on Thursday, pleaded not guilty to the allegations when the First Information Report (FIR) was read to him in the dock.
According to the FIR, Turaki is accused of “deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage, adultery by a man, and criminal intimidation,” offences which are contrary to Sections 383, 387, and 389 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution stated that the investigation into the case was prompted by a petition dated August 9, 2024, which was submitted to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja.
According to the FIR, between December 2014 and August 2016, Turaki allegedly cohabited with Ms Hadiza Musa Baffa at Han’s Place Hotel.
The report further alleged that between August 2016 and November 2021, he continued to live with her at Ideal Home Holiday, Asokoro.
From November 2021, Turaki allegedly rented a residence for Hadiza at No. 12 Clement Akpagbo Close, Guzape, under the pretence of being legally married to her. The relationship reportedly led to the birth of a baby girl.
The FIR also states that Turaki later abandoned Hadiza and their child, denying paternity and allegedly threatening to use his influence to harm both mother and child.
Following the arraignment, the prosecuting counsel, Chijioke Okorie, urged the court to set a date for trial.
The defence lawyer, A. I. Mohammed, did not oppose the request but applied for bail, assuring the court of Turaki’s willingness to appear for proceedings.
Magistrate Jega granted bail to Turaki in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties of the same amount.
He ruled that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of residence.
The trial is set to commence on March 11, 2025.
