A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday granted bail of ₦100 million to a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, was arraigned before Justice Peter Kekemeke on a one-count charge bordering on allegedly providing false information to the police.
The charge, marked CR/647/2026 and filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleged that he submitted misleading information in a petition dated October 5, 2022.
According to the charge, “you… gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police via a petition dated October 5, 2022.”
The police said the offence is punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law. Turaki pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read in open court.
His counsel, Abulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the offence was bailable.
He said, “My Lord, this defendant is also the authentic leader of the PDP… an elder statesman, a former Minister… and a respected community leader.”
The prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, opposed the application, alleging that the defendant had evaded service and failed to attend court proceedings until he was declared wanted.
He urged the court to remand Turaki in custody, stressing that bail should be granted judiciously.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail is a fundamental right and noted that the defendant had voluntarily submitted himself to the court.
The judge said the prosecution failed to prove that Turaki posed a flight risk. The court consequently granted Turaki bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum.
It ruled that the surety must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria of not less than 20 years’ standing or a lawyer with over 40 years of practice.
Justice Kekemeke adjourned the case until June 11 for a hearing.
