A factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over an allegation of providing false information to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Turaki, who was brought before Justice Peter Kekemeke on a one-count charge, pleaded not guilty.
According to the charge, Turaki allegedly submitted false information to the IGP through a petition written on his letterhead and dated October 5, 2022.
Following Turaki’s non-guilty plea, his counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), told the court that the defendant had filed three applications but wished to withdraw two. The court struck out the withdrawn applications.
He then moved the remaining application, urging the court to grant Turaki bail.
RELATED NEWS:
- Supreme Court Reserves Judgment on Appeal over Turaki Faction
- Judge Orders Police To Arrest Turaki Over Absence in Court
- Court Voids PDP National Convention, Bars Turaki-Led NWC
Court Grants Turaki Bail Based on Recognition
Ibrahim argued that the request was made under Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), insisting that the defendant was entitled to bail unless there were compelling reasons to refuse it.
He also asked the court to grant bail on self-recognition, describing Turaki as an elder statesman, former minister, and respected community leader with several traditional titles.
The prosecution opposed the application and urged the court to remand the defendant pending trial.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail is both a discretionary judicial power and a constitutional right.
He said the prosecution failed to present sufficient reasons to deny the defendant bail and granted Turaki bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with at least 20 years post-call experience or a legal practitioner with over 40 years of practice.
The case was adjourned until June 11 for hearing.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.