The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has dismissed an attempt by Kabiru Turaki, factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to obtain an early ruling on his bid to quash criminal charges brought against him by the police.
Justice Peter Kekemeke fixed June 18, 2026 for the trial to commence, after rejecting a plea by Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, for an immediate decision on the defendant’s challenge to the charge’s competence.
Turaki faces a single count of providing false information to the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Prosecutors allege that in a petition dated October 5, 2022, written on his official letterhead against one Saidu Mohammed Mainasara, Turaki intended to misuse police powers to injure or annoy the complainant. The offence, contrary to Section 140 of the Penal Code Law, criminalises false information given to a public officer with intent to cause harm.
During proceedings, Ibrahim argued that the charge (marked CR/647/2025) disclosed no prima facie case and constituted an abuse of court process. He urged the court to deliver a swift ruling, claiming that delay would subject Turaki to unnecessary trial, emotional strain, and physical stress.
Prosecuting counsel Usman Rabiu countered, invoking Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which mandates that rulings on preliminary objections be reserved until final judgment, leaving no discretion to the judge.
Justice Kekemeke upheld the prosecution’s argument, ruling that the ACJA provision is mandatory. He added that Turaki would suffer no injustice by undergoing trial. With both parties in agreement, the court adjourned to June 18, when the prosecution will call its sole witness to open its case against the factional PDP chairman.
