Ex-minister Turaki denies Hadiza’s sex allegations, labels claims as blackmail

Former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has denied allegations of sexual abuse, forced abortion, and other offences made against him by his former ward, Hadiza Musa Baffa, describing them as false and malicious.

Addressing journalists in Abuja through his counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), Turaki insisted the claims were thoroughly investigated by the police and found to be baseless. He maintained that Hadiza’s accusations—including rape, rituals, threats to life, and breach of promise to marry—had no substance.

Turaki explained that he agreed to be Hadiza’s guardian at her mother’s request but severed ties due to what he described as her misconduct and fraudulent behaviour, which caused him financial and reputational losses.

His lawyer said Hadiza had previously petitioned the police and the courts but later withdrew her case, tendered an apology, and had the matter struck out. According to him, her father also wrote to the police, retracting earlier allegations and admitting that a third party was behind the blackmail campaign.

Investigations into her claims of multiple abortions allegedly performed by a doctor linked to Turaki reportedly revealed inconsistencies, with the hospital denying knowledge of the doctor or conducting such procedures.

The police concluded that the abortion and ritual allegations could not be substantiated.

Ibrahim further alleged that Hadiza resorted to blackmail after failing to gain favour through legal channels, making demands including ₦850 million as a “settlement,” ₦47 million for rent arrears, and a luxury house in Maitama or Asokoro.

He urged the public to disregard the renewed social media campaign against the former minister, stressing: “Her allegations are baseless.

“The truth is documented, the court has spoken, and no amount of blackmail will change the facts.”