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Former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Taminu Turaki (SAN), was Monday arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja for allegedly committing multi-million naira fraud while in office.
Turaki, a former presidential aspirant in 2019 general election, pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge of alleged unlawful and criminal misappropriation of funds.
He was arraigned by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on behalf of the Federal Government.
Also arraigned with him was his former Special Assistant, Sampson Okpetu, who also pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges leveled against him.
CJN directs courts to hear only urgent matters
Upon the defendants’ pleas of not guilty, the defence Counsel, Joe Gadzama (SAN), applied that his client be admitted to bail on self -recognizance on terms of his administrative bail.
The trail Court judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, granted bail to Turaki in self- recognizance and fixed trial for June 22, 23, 24 and 25.
Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, also served as the Supervising Minister of Labour under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In the administrative bail earlier granted to the defendants, they are expected to report to EFCC periodically.
Justice Ekwo while adopting the administrative bail terms granted to Turaki ordered him not to travel outside the jurisdiction of the court without permission.
The court also ordered EFCC to deposit the International Passport of the defendants with the Registrar of the court.
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