Court Sets June 18 For Trial Against Kabiru Turaki

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has fixed June 18 for the commencement of trial in the criminal case involving the factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.

Justice Peter Kekemeke scheduled the hearing on Thursday after declining a request by Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), who asked the court to first rule on an application challenging the validity of the charge filed against his client by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Turaki is facing a one-count charge accusing him of allegedly providing false information to the IGP through a petition dated October 5, 2022, which was written on his official letterhead against one Saidu Mohammed Mainasara. The prosecution claims the petition was intended to invoke the lawful powers of the IGP to the detriment or annoyance of Mainasara.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offence is punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Ibrahim informed the court of an application seeking the dismissal of the charge, marked CR/647/2025, arguing that it failed to establish a prima facie case against Turaki and amounted to an abuse of court process.

With the court’s permission, the defence lawyer moved the application and urged the court to strike out the charge.

In response, prosecuting counsel Usman Rabiu adopted the prosecution’s counter-affidavit and asked the court to dismiss the application, insisting that the prosecution should be allowed to present evidence in support of its case.

Ibrahim further requested an expedited ruling, arguing that putting the defendant through trial before deciding on the application could subject him to unnecessary emotional and physical hardship.

However, Rabiu opposed the request, citing Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which requires courts to reserve rulings on such applications until the final judgment stage.

He maintained that the provision is mandatory and leaves no room for discretion, urging the court to proceed with the trial while deferring its ruling on the application.

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke agreed with the prosecution, holding that Section 396(2) of the ACJA must be complied with.

The judge stated that Turaki would not suffer any injustice by standing trial before the court delivers its decision on the application.

Following the agreement of both parties, the court adjourned the matter until June 18 for the commencement of trial, during which the prosecution is expected to call its sole witness.