A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has set October 8 for the hearing of a motion filed by former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, seeking to stop further publications regarding a paternity dispute involving him and his former acquaintance, Uwani Arabi, and two others.
Presiding judge, Justice Aliyu Shafa, made the decision on Tuesday after refusing to grant Turaki’s initial ex-parte motion, which requested an interim injunction against the defendants.
Justice Shafa instructed that the ex-Minister refile his motion as a notice, allowing the defendants an opportunity to respond.
Turaki accuses Arabi, her former husband, Musa Baffa, and her daughter, Hadiza, of defamation, following claims that he fathered a child with Hadiza. He is also seeking the return of $120,000, which he claims to have loaned Hadiza for a heart surgery in Dubai, Cairo, and Jeddah.
In a supporting affidavit, Turaki urged the court to issue a restraining order to prevent further dissemination of what he described as false allegations during the ongoing legal battle.
He also denied any sexual impropriety, stating that his support for Hadiza’s education at Baze University in Abuja was purely philanthropic.
The defendants, in a joint statement, rejected the defamation accusations, insisting that Turaki had taken advantage of Hadiza, leading to her pregnancy.
They called for a DNA test to resolve the dispute, arguing that Turaki was blocking a proper investigation. They also plan to present evidence, including voice messages, chats, and medical reports.
A separate but related case filed by Turaki, aimed at preventing the police from investigating Hadiza’s claims, has been adjourned until October 17.
The paternity dispute has drawn significant attention, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives as the legal drama unfolds.
