Turaki was brought before the court on a one-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force, accusing him of submitting a petition dated October 5, 2022, against Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with intent to use police authority to harm or annoy him.
Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, was on Wednesday arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama over alleged false information supplied to the police.
Turaki was brought before the court on a one-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force, accusing him of submitting a petition dated October 5, 2022, against Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with intent to use police authority to harm or annoy him.
The prosecution said the offence is punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read.
Prosecuting counsel, Usman Rabiu, asked the court to fix a date for trial.
Defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), told the court that a bail application had been filed, citing Sections 36(5) and (6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
He argued that Turaki was entitled to bail and did not evade service, explaining that he was out of town when the charge was served.
Ibrahim added that the defendant appeared in court on April 1 to apologise for his absence on March 26.
He urged the court to grant bail on self-recognisance, describing Turaki as an elder statesman, former minister, and a legal practitioner with over 40 years’ experience, including 20 years as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Opposing the application, the prosecution urged the court to deny bail and remand the defendant, citing Section 162 of the ACJA and his antecedents.
In his ruling, Justice Peter Kekemeke held that bail is a fundamental right subject to the court’s discretion.
The judge noted that although a bench warrant had earlier been issued against the defendant, it was vacated after he appeared in court.
Justice Kekemeke ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient reasons to deny bail.
He granted Turaki bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum.
The court directed that the surety must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria of at least 20 years or a lawyer with over 40 years of practice.
The case was adjourned to June 11 for commencement of trial.
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