An Abuja High Court has granted bail to Senator Tanimu Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the sum of N100 million.
Justice Peter Kekemeke approved the bail on Wednesday after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution in a case involving alleged false information submitted to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Turaki is facing charges for allegedly filing a petition dated October 5, 2022, which prosecutors claim contained false claims intended to misuse police authority against an individual identified as Saidi Mainasara.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Kekemeke emphasised that bail is a constitutional right and should not be denied without sufficient justification.
The court noted that although a bench warrant had previously been issued for Turaki’s arrest, he voluntarily appeared before the court before it could be enforced, leading to its withdrawal.
The judge further held that the prosecution failed to provide compelling reasons to deny the defendant bail.
As part of the bail conditions, Turaki must provide one surety in the same amount of N100 million.
The court specified that the surety must be a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with at least 20 years of legal practice or a lawyer with no less than 40 years of experience.
Turaki pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.
Following his plea, the prosecution requested a date for trial, while the defence withdrew two earlier applications, which were subsequently struck out without objection.
The remaining application for bail was granted, with the court referencing constitutional provisions guaranteeing the right to bail.
The case has been adjourned until June 11 for the commencement of trial proceedings.
