A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of N100 million to a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Affairs between 2013 and 2015, is standing trial over allegations of supplying false information to the police in a petition submitted in 2022.
He was arraigned before Justice Peter Kekemeke on a single count charge marked CR/647/2026, filed by the Nigeria Police Force under the authority of the Inspector General of Police.
The charge dated November 15, 2025, reads: “That you, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, m, of No. 37 T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja, on or about October 5, 2022, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, gave false information to the Inspector General of Police via a petition dated October 5, 2022.”
According to the police, the alleged offence is punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code.
Earlier, on March 26, the court issued a warrant for Turaki’s arrest after he failed to appear for arraignment on multiple occasions. The order was, however, vacated on April 1 after he appeared in court and indicated readiness to face trial.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Turaki pleaded not guilty.
His counsel, Abulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, citing Sections 36(5) and 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. He maintained that the charge is bailable and that his client remains innocent until proven otherwise.
Emphasizing Turaki’s background, the defence highlighted his long standing legal career and public service. “My Lord, this defendant is also the authentic leader of the PDP. He is an elder statesman, a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a respected community leader with various chieftaincy titles,” Ibrahim said, while urging the court to grant bail on self recognition.
The prosecution, led by Usman Rabiu, opposed the application, alleging that the defendant evaded service of court processes and only appeared after being declared wanted. While acknowledging that bail is at the court’s discretion, he urged the court to exercise caution and remand the defendant.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail is a fundamental right and may be granted where appropriate. He also observed that Turaki voluntarily submitted himself to the court before the arrest warrant could be executed.
The court further held that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to suggest that the defendant would abscond.
Consequently, Turaki was granted bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum. The court directed that the surety must be either a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with at least 20 years standing or a lawyer with over 40 years of practice.
The matter was adjourned until June 11 for commencement of hearing.
