The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has granted an application by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to reopen the prosecution’s case against the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, who is standing trial over an allegation of giving false information to the police.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the application on Monday, November 2, 2026, after considering the arguments presented by the prosecution and defence concerning whether additional witnesses and evidence should be admitted after the prosecution had earlier closed its case.
The judge held that the prosecution’s application was meritorious and consequently granted it, allowing the police to call further witnesses and present additional evidence in support of the one-count charge against the former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
Turaki is being prosecuted by the office of the Inspector-General of Police over a petition he allegedly submitted to the police on October 5, 2022.
According to the charge, marked CR/647/2026, the defendant allegedly provided false information to the Inspector-General of Police in a petition against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara, with the intention of using the lawful powers of the police to cause injury or annoyance to him.
The alleged offence is said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
The defendant, who was arraigned on April 22, 2026, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the trial, the prosecution called one witness before closing its case on June 18, 2026.
However, at the resumed proceedings on October 14, prosecuting counsel Usman Aliyu informed the court that the prosecution had filed an application seeking permission to reopen its case, call additional witnesses and tender further evidence.
Aliyu argued that the additional evidence was necessary for the proper and just prosecution of the charge.
The lawyer, who relied on several legal authorities, urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the prosecution, maintaining that granting the application would serve the interest of justice.
The application was strongly opposed by Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, who urged the court to dismiss it and award substantial costs against the prosecution.
Ibrahim argued that an application to reopen a criminal prosecution after the prosecution had formally closed its case could not be granted merely because the prosecuting authority had changed its position.
He reminded the court that the prosecution had initially indicated that it intended to call only one witness.
According to the defence lawyer, after the witness testified and the prosecution closed its case on June 18, the prosecuting counsel informed the court that he was satisfied with the evidence presented by the sole witness.
Ibrahim contended that the prosecution had failed to place sufficient material before the court to justify reopening its case after announcing its closure.
He also alleged that the application was intended to delay the proceedings and subject his client to unnecessary trial-related pressure.
The defence consequently urged Justice Kekemeke to reject the application, arguing that the prosecution should not be permitted to prolong the case without adequate justification.
However, the prosecution maintained that the proposed additional witnesses and evidence were necessary to ensure that the matter was properly presented before the court.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Kekemeke reserved his ruling until November 2.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, the judge resolved the application in favour of the prosecution, holding that the request to reopen the case was meritorious.
He consequently granted the prosecution leave to call additional witnesses and adduce further evidence.
Following the ruling, Justice Kekemeke directed the prosecuting counsel to call the additional witnesses if they were present in court.
Responding, Aliyu informed the judge that none of the additional prosecution witnesses was available to testify.
He therefore requested a short adjournment to enable the prosecution to secure their attendance and continue presenting its case.
The judge subsequently adjourned further hearing until January 27, 2027, for the continuation of the trial.
The proceedings form part of the criminal case instituted against Turaki following allegations arising from the petition submitted to the police in October 2022.
The case had earlier experienced procedural developments, including an arrest warrant issued against the defendant on March 26, 2026, following his failure to appear in court for arraignment.
However, Justice Kekemeke subsequently vacated the warrant on April 1 after Turaki appeared voluntarily before the court.
The matter eventually proceeded to arraignment on April 22, when the defendant denied the allegation and was granted bail in the sum of ₦100 million.
The prosecution later commenced its case and called one witness before closing its evidence in June.
The latest ruling allows the prosecution to continue presenting evidence despite its earlier decision to close the case.
However, the order does not amount to a determination of Turaki’s guilt or a finding that the prosecution has established the criminal allegation against him.
It is a procedural decision permitting the prosecution to call further witnesses and tender additional evidence, which will remain subject to the applicable rules of evidence and the defendant’s right to challenge the prosecution’s case.
The defence will also retain the opportunity to cross-examine any additional witnesses called by the prosecution and contest the admissibility or weight of evidence presented.
Turaki remains presumed innocent under Section 36(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, until the charge against him is proved beyond reasonable doubt.
With the application now granted, the trial is expected to continue on January 27, 2027, when the prosecution is scheduled to present its additional witnesses before the court.
Post Title: “Prosecution Said It Was Satisfied With Its Sole Witness” — Turaki’s Defence Loses Bid To Stop Police From Reopening Criminal Case By Naijaonpoint.