Tanimu Turaki, factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory high court in Maitama over allegations of providing false information to the police.
Turaki, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him on Wednesday.
The defendant is being prosecuted by the office of the inspector-general of police over a petition he allegedly authored on October 5, 2022, accusing Saidi Mainasara, with “intent to trigger police action” against him.
The prosecution said the alleged offence is punishable under section 140 of the Penal Code.
Following his plea, Usman Rabiu, prosecution counsel, asked the court to fix a date for trial and opposed an application for bail.
Rabiu urged the court to remand the defendant, arguing that his conduct and antecedents should be considered in deciding whether to grant bail.
In response, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, counsel to the defendant, applied for bail, citing constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
He argued that bail is a right except in exceptional circumstances, adding that the prosecution had not shown why the court should deny the application.
Ibrahim also told the court that Turaki did not evade service, explaining that he was out of town at the time processes were issued.
He said the defendant later appeared in court voluntarily and apologised for his earlier absence.
Counsel further withdrew two earlier motions filed on behalf of the defendant, which the court struck out without objection from the prosecution.
Ruling on the bail application, Peter Kekemeke, presiding judge, held that bail is a constitutional right and that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient grounds to deny it.
The judge also noted that although a bench warrant had earlier been issued against the defendant, it was vacated after he appeared before the court.
Kekemeke admitted Turaki to bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum.
He said the surety must be a senior advocate of Nigeria with at least 20 years post-call experience or a lawyer with no less than 40 years in practice.
The case was adjourned to June 11 for commencement of trial.
