The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party took a fresh turn on Wednesday as its factional national chairman, Tanimu Turaki, was arraigned before a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory.
Turaki appeared before the court sitting in Maitama over allegations of giving false information to the police. The case adds another legal twist to the ongoing internal struggles within the party.
The senior lawyer, who holds the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him in open court.
Proceedings were brief but closely watched, given his position and the tension within the party.
The prosecution, led by the office of the Inspector-General of Police, told the court that the defendant had written a petition dated October 5, 2022. In the said petition, he allegedly accused one Saidi Mainasara, with “intent to trigger police action” against him. The authorities argue that the information provided in that petition was false and misleading.
Following his plea, the court considered his bail application. The presiding judge granted him bail in the sum of N100 million. The court also set conditions to ensure his appearance during trial, though details of the sureties were not extensively argued in open court.
After granting bail, the court adjourned the matter to a later date for continuation of hearing. Legal teams on both sides are expected to prepare for a more detailed argument when proceedings resume.