Court Bars Police From Investigating Paternity And Sexual Allegations Against Ex-Minister And Senior Advocate

An Upper Area Court in Kado, Abuja, has issued an order restraining the Nigeria Police from accepting any complaints or investigating allegations relating to a paternity dispute and claims of sexual impropriety against former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The order, granted by Hon. Shehu Ahmadu on September 2, follows an ex-parte motion filed by Turaki’s legal team. The case involves allegations by Hadiza Baffa, her mother, Uwani Arabi, and father, Musa Baffa, who claim that Turaki fathered a child with Hadiza outside of wedlock. However, Turaki denies the paternity claim and has challenged the allegations in court.

In his ruling, the judge directed the Inspector-General of Police and officers to refrain from accepting or investigating complaints filed by the Baffa family regarding the matter, citing that it is already under the court’s jurisdiction in a suit marked CV/35/2024.

Hadiza’s family, in their defence, accused Turaki of taking advantage of Hadiza under the pretext of serving as her guardian during her education, leading to a sexual relationship and eventual pregnancy. They allege that Turaki not only supported Hadiza’s education but also initiated a romantic relationship, leading to the birth of a daughter, which he initially acknowledged by financing the child’s antenatal and delivery services.

Turaki, however, denies the allegations, claiming that Hadiza had a boyfriend who was responsible for the pregnancy and that the family’s accusations amount to blackmail.

The case has been adjourned to September 24 for further hearing.