Police Arraign PDP Factional Chairman Kabir Turaki Over Alleged False Petition

The Nigeria Police on Wednesday arraigned Kabir Turaki, a factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over allegations of submitting false information to authorities.

Mr Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), faces a one-count charge linked to a petition he allegedly filed with the Inspector-General of Police in October 2022. He pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in court.

Presiding judge, Peter Kekemeke, granted the defendant bail set at ₦100 million with one surety. The court specified that the surety must be either a SAN with at least 20 years of legal practice or a lawyer with over 40 years’ experience.

The court rejected the prosecution’s objection to bail, ruling that it failed to provide sufficient grounds to justify the defendant’s detention pending trial.

Mr Turaki’s counsel argued that his client was entitled to bail under provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, stating that he had not deliberately avoided service of court documents. The defence also noted that the defendant had appeared in court earlier in April and apologised for missing a previous hearing in March.

The prosecution, however, urged the court to deny bail and remand the defendant, citing relevant provisions of the same law. The judge dismissed the request.

The case was adjourned to 11 June for commencement of trial.

The charge stems from a petition dated 5 October 2022, in which Mr Turaki is accused of providing false information against one Saidi Mainasara, allegedly with intent to prompt official action that could harm or harass the subject. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code.

Separately, Mr Turaki remains a central figure in an ongoing leadership dispute within the PDP. On the same day as his arraignment, the Supreme Court of Nigeria heard arguments in an appeal filed by his faction seeking recognition as the party’s legitimate leadership. The court reserved judgment, indicating that a date would be communicated to the parties.