A combined photo of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and Hadiza Baffa
By Abdullahi Abubakar
A Federal Capital Territory, Magistrate Court, Abuja has struck out rape changes against former Minister of Special Duties, Mr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
On account of this development, Mr Turaki has given his side on the allegation of rape by a lady, Hadiza Baffa.
Turaki said his decision to open up and state his side of the story has become necessary both for the record and for posterity to set the facts straight, stressing that “silence is no longer golden.”
This was as Hadiza Baffa has admitted to had lied against Turaki and apologised, as well as withdrew her petition with the police, thereby paving the way for the court to strike out the matter and discharge the former minister over false allegations and charges.
In the same vein, the father of Hadiza, Mr. Musa Bashir Baffa, wrote a formal letter of apology addressed to Turaki in which he pleaded for forgiveness for his family and accused his daughter, Hadiza and her mother, who he described as his former wife, of being used by the political adversaries Turaki to tarnish his image.
Hadiza Baffa had last year alleged that Turaki, SAN, took advantage of her, violated her and harvested eight pregnancies for alleged ritual purposes and was also after her life.
Based on the allegations and petition by Hadiza Baffa, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was charged to court.
The case was however struck out by the court following Hadiza Baffa’s admittance of lying against the former minister.
Irked by the allegation which he described as frivolous and falsehood, Turaki, in September 2024, equally sued Hadiza Baffa, the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector General of Police and others over the matter.
But, Turaki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Lawal Umar on Wednesday, said; “In light of these facts, it is both fair and just to acknowledge that the allegations were unfounded.
Umar said that Turaki has consistently maintained that the allegations were orchestrated by political adversaries using her as part of a smear campaign, stressing that he has refused to succumb to such tactics, thus remained committed to upholding his integrity, the rule of law, and the principles of justice.
Turaki explained that being a former minister and a SAN, he had refrained from commenting on the matter during police investigation to avoid being accused of interference and contempt for judicial processes.
The statement however noted that the stance of Turaki, gave room for unverified narratives that trended on social media while he allowed the authorities to conduct their work without interference.
Turaki stressed that despite the court striking out the case after discharging him, the matter has continued to trend with different narratives tailored to suit various sponsors, thus found it imperative for record purposes and posterity, to speak out.
The statement further said; “Hadiza Baffa was entrusted to Mr. Turaki’s care by her mother when she relocated to Abuja, as she was new to the city. In the spirit of longstanding friendship with her family, he accepted this responsibility and treated her in a manner befitting that of a guardian.
“However, following her repeated involvement in financial scams and subsequent detentions where Mr. Turaki was frequently called upon to intervene and settle matters, he reported her conduct to her mother and withdrew his guardianship.
“Aggrieved by this decision, Hadiza Baffa petitioned the police, making spurious allegations against him, including claims of rape, unlawful termination of pregnancy, and threats to life, which she also published on various social media platforms.
“Following a thorough police investigation, Hadiza Baffa was unable to substantiate her allegations. Despite the lack of evidence, a charge was filed against Mr. Turaki.
“However, she later wrote to the police and the court to withdraw her petition, leading to the striking out of the charge and Mr. Turaki’s subsequent discharge.
“Significantly, her father who had initially supported his daughter later reviewed the circumstances in full and wrote a letter of apology to Mr. Turaki, expressing appreciation for his care towards his daughter and regret over the entire episode. “Subsequently, Ms. Hadiza Baffa herself sent a written WhatsApp message from her verified number (0806 795 7035), stating: “Salaam, ya ibada? Allah ya karba mana. Seeing you yesterday in the witness box was heart-wrenching and it saddens me a lot, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I never wished for all this to happen but unfortunately, we are here already.
“I want to withdraw my police case and for the sake of this holy month, please forgive me, bygones be bygones. May Allah ease our affairs,” the statement explained.
It further explained that Turaki only became aware of the DNA aspect of the matter when a purported result through certain social media platforms and therefore challenged its authenticity in court.
Turaki said that the court therefore restrained parties from relying on it pending the determination of the suit.
