A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama has granted bail in the sum of N100 million to a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, following his arraignment on a criminal charge.
Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs between 2013 and 2015, is facing a one count charge of allegedly providing false information to the police in a petition he filed in 2022. The charge was brought before the court by the Nigeria Police Force under case number CR 647 2026.
According to the prosecution, Turaki submitted misleading information to the office of the Inspector General of Police, an offence said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law. He pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in open court.
The presiding judge, Peter Kekemeke, had earlier issued a warrant for Turaki’s arrest on March 26 after he failed to appear in court multiple times. However, the warrant was lifted on April 1 after he presented himself and expressed readiness to face trial.
During proceedings, defence counsel Abulaziz Ibrahim argued that the alleged offence is bailable and emphasized Turaki’s long standing legal career and public service record. The prosecution opposed the bail request, claiming the defendant previously avoided court appearances.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail is a constitutional right and noted that the defendant had voluntarily submitted himself to the court. He further stated that the prosecution failed to prove that Turaki posed a flight risk.
The court subsequently granted bail with one surety who must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria of at least 20 years standing or a lawyer with over 40 years of practice. The case has been adjourned until June 11 for hearing.
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