Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) from presenting a DNA test result against Kabiru Turaki, the former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, in his paternity dispute with Hadiza Baffa.
The order was given after the NPF’s counsel, including the Inspector-General of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Oki Oyintare, requested an adjournment to comply with a previous court ruling. Turaki’s lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), informed the court that the police were planning to present a DNA paternity result, which he claimed was obtained in violation of Turaki’s fundamental human rights, in a criminal charge filed against him at an FCT Magistrate Court in Abuja.
On February 18, Justice Ekwo had declined Turaki’s initial request to prevent the police from using the DNA test result in the paternity case, ruling that he could not grant the relief without hearing from the respondents. The judge ordered Turaki to notify all respondents within two days and instructed them to show cause at the next hearing why the reliefs sought should not be granted.
At the hearing, Ibrahim informed the court that the 1st to 3rd respondents had failed to comply with the court’s order to file affidavits to show cause, instead submitting a joint counter affidavit. Ibrahim further stated that Hadiza, the 4th respondent, had filed the necessary affidavits to show cause and a counter affidavit to the main suit.
Justice Ekwo questioned the 1st to 3rd respondents’ counsel, M.L. Anthony, about the filed processes, and upon receiving an unsatisfactory response, Anthony requested an adjournment to comply with the court’s requirements. Hadiza’s lawyer, Usman Chamo, confirmed that Hadiza had filed the appropriate documents.
Justice Ekwo expressed frustration over the delay and granted the adjournment, ordering all respondents to refrain from taking any actions that could impact Turaki’s motion. The judge further ordered the police to file all required documents and directed Turaki to respond before the next adjourned date.
The case was adjourned to February 28 for further hearing.
