PDP factional chairman arraigned over alleged false petition, granted ₦100m bail

Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, has been arraigned before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, over allegations of providing false information to the police in a petition submitted in 2022.

Turaki, who leads a faction of the PDP reportedly aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, was brought before Justice Peter Kekemeke on a one-count charge filed by the police.

The case centres on a petition allegedly written and signed by Turaki on October 5, 2022, in which he made accusations against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara.

Prosecutors argued that the petition was intended to trigger police action in a way that could harm or annoy the individual concerned.

The prosecution said the alleged offence falls under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.

Turaki pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him, setting the stage for trial.

Prosecuting counsel Usman Rabiu requested a trial date, while defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), applied for bail, arguing that the defendant is entitled to constitutional protection and the presumption of innocence.

The defence also maintained that Turaki had previously shown willingness to appear in court and had voluntarily honoured proceedings after an earlier scheduling issue.

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Justice Kekemeke held that while bail is discretionary, it is tied to fundamental rights.

The court noted that although a bench warrant had earlier been issued due to Turaki’s absence, it was vacated after he later appeared in court.

Finding no sufficient grounds from the prosecution to deny bail, the judge granted Turaki bail in the sum of ₦100 million, with one surety in like sum.

The court further ruled that the surety must either be a SAN with at least 20 years post-call experience or a legal practitioner with at least 40 years of practice.

The case was adjourned to June 11 for commencement of trial.

The development adds another layer to ongoing political tensions within the PDP, which has recently experienced internal factional disputes and leadership struggles.