Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Tanimu Turaki, on Wednesday appeared before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, where he was arraigned on a single count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Turaki is accused of allegedly giving false information to the police in a petition dated October 5, 2022, submitted on his official letterhead against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara. Prosecutors allege that the petition was intended to trigger the use of lawful police powers to the detriment or annoyance of the complainant. The alleged offence is said to contravene Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
He pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in court.
Prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, requested a date for trial commencement. Meanwhile, Turaki’s defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abdulaziz Ibrahim, informed the court of a bail application filed on behalf of his client, relying on constitutional provisions and Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), arguing that the defendant was entitled to bail as of right.
Ibrahim further contended that Turaki did not evade service, explaining that he was out of town when attempts were made to serve him. He also told the court that his client had previously appeared voluntarily and apologised for missing an earlier scheduled arraignment.
He urged the court to grant bail on self-recognisance, citing Turaki’s status as a senior legal practitioner, former minister, elder statesman, and PDP leader with over 40 years in legal practice.
However, the prosecution urged the court to refuse bail, arguing that the defendant’s antecedents should be considered and that he should be remanded pending trial.
Delivering ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke held that bail is both a discretionary and constitutional right. The judge noted that although a bench warrant had earlier been issued against Turaki, it was vacated after he voluntarily appeared in court before its execution.
Justice Kekemeke ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient grounds to deny bail. He consequently granted Turaki bail in the sum of ₦100 million with one surety in like sum.
The court further directed that the surety must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with at least 20 years post-call experience or a legal practitioner with no less than 40 years in practice.
The case was adjourned to June 11 for commencement of trial.