Former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), was arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja on Thursday on charges including false marriage, adultery, and criminal intimidation.
Turaki pleaded not guilty to the charges as the First Information Report (FIR) was read to him during the court session, which was presided over by Magistrate Abubakar Jega. In his defense, Turaki denied the allegations, asserting that the accusations were false.
The charges against the ex-minister, as outlined in the FIR, include deceitfully inducing a belief of a lawful marriage, committing adultery, and criminal intimidation.
The prosecution, led by Chijioke Okorie, detailed that an investigation was launched following a petition submitted to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in August 2024.
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According to the investigation, Turaki is accused of cohabiting with Ms. Hadiza Musa Bafta from December 2014 to August 2016 at a hotel called Han’s Place and later at Ideal Home Holiday, Asokoro, until November 2021.
The prosecution further claimed that he made Hadiza believe they were married and that their relationship resulted in a child. The case also includes allegations that Turaki abandoned Hadiza and her child, denying paternity and allegedly threatening their lives using his influence.
Following his arraignment, the prosecution called for a trial date, while Turaki’s lawyer, A. I. Mohammed, requested bail for his client, assuring the court that Turaki would appear for subsequent hearings.
Magistrate Jega granted bail at N1 million with two sureties in like sum, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide evidence of their residence.
The court adjourned the case until March 11, 2025, for the commencement of the trial.
, was arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Abuja on Thursday on charges including false marriage, adultery, and criminal intimidation.){kind=link}