PDP Chairman Kabir Turaki Arraigned for Alleged Falsehood

On Wednesday, Kabir Turaki, the factional chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), was arraigned by the Nigerian police at the FCT High Court in Abuja for alleged falsehood related to claims made three and a half years ago. Turaki, represented by his lawyer Chris Uch, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Judge Peter Kekemek granted him bail in the sum of N100 million. This arraignment followed a previous order for Turaki's arrest due to his absence in court on March 26, which had stalled the trial.

Although an arrest warrant was issued, it was not executed until April 1, following an appeal by Turaki's lawyer. The judge dismissed the prosecution's objections to the bail application, noting that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient reasons to deny bail.

Turaki's lawyer argued that his client was entitled to bail under Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The trial is scheduled to commence on June 11.