The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed concern over recent attacks on former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, by one of his benefactors.
Reports indicate that the benefactor, Ms Hadiza Musa Baffa, has accused the former minister of abusing her, including allegations of sexual assault and ritual practices.
However, the group noted that these allegations were thoroughly investigated by the Nigeria Police Force, through its Force Criminal Investigation Department and Force Intelligence Department.
Following a comprehensive inquiry, the Police concluded that the allegations were baseless, unfounded, and driven by malice rather than evidence.
During a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, emphasised the importance of addressing the persistent accusations made against Turaki.
The group said its aim was to set the record straight, separate fact from fiction, and prevent the misuse of social media to tarnish the reputation of a respected statesman.
“It is crucial to revisit the background of the individual making these allegations. Ms Hadiza Musa Baffa was previously under Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki’s guardianship due to behavioural issues.
“Despite receiving assistance, she reportedly engaged in fraudulent activities, including impersonation and misrepresentation, leading to the termination of her guardianship.
“Ms Baffa’s shifting identities, including false claims of relation to Alhaji Turaki, raised doubts about the credibility of her allegations.
“Despite her father’s apology and her own admission of wrongdoing, she continues to propagate these unverified claims on social media, undermining the credibility of genuine human rights advocacy.
“Having failed to substantiate her claims before the Police and in formal legal processes, she now appears to be resorting to propaganda, hoping to achieve through public sympathy what she could not prove through evidence.
“This trend is not only unfair to Mr Turaki, it is also damaging to the wider fight for justice in Nigeria.
“False allegations, when left unchecked, weaken the voices of genuine victims of abuse and exploitation, who may be disbelieved because of high-profile cases of falsehood,” the group said.
HURIWA urged the media, civil society, and the Nigerian public to approach the allegations with caution, noting that they had already been investigated and debunked.
The group reaffirmed its support for Turaki and emphasised the importance of upholding due process and evidence-based inquiry in addressing such serious accusations.
At press time, Ms Baffa was yet to respond to inquiries sent to her phone number, while her line remained busy.
