The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the police to intensify efforts to ensure accountability and justice in the ongoing N16 million visa fraud case involving Ms Hadiza Baffa.
Baffa allegedly collected about N16 million from several individuals under the pretext of securing Saudi Arabian visas for the lesser Hajj (Umrah). When the visas reportedly failed to materialise, the affected persons filed a criminal complaint before a Magistrate’s Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which directed the Zuba Police Division to investigate the matter.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect was later invited for questioning, during which she allegedly admitted to receiving funds from some complainants and requested time to refund the money before being released on bail. However, subsequent reports indicated that she became unreachable, prompting renewed police efforts to locate her.
In a statement issued yesterday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify information before engaging in any financial transactions.
The association described the case as serious and deserving of transparency and urgency, warning that such allegations could erode public trust.
HURIWA also recalled that during its September 2, 2025, press briefing, it had raised concerns over earlier controversies linking Baffa to allegations of impersonation. and false claims involving a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, KabiruTanimuTuraki.
It noted that Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, had since clarified that all prior allegations against his client had been investigated and found to be baseless, affirming that the former minister had relied solely on lawful means to defend his integrity.
The association commended the police for their diligence in handling the current case and urged them to ensure due process in investigating and prosecuting the matter before a competent court.
HURIWA also referenced a recent ruling of an Upper Area Court in Abuja, which granted a perpetual injunction restraining Baffa from publishing or circulating statements linking her child’s paternity to Turaki.
Quoting from the September 4 judgment delivered by Judge AdamuIsah, the association recalled that the court ordered Baffa and her associates to desist from making or distributing such claims on any platform.
According to HURIWA, the ruling aimed to prevent further misuse of social and digital media for unverified or defamatory claims, while upholding the rights of all parties within the law.
“The law must take its full course in this matter. Allegations of financial misconduct, especially those that exploit trust or faith-based motives, deserve thorough and impartial investigation,” the association stated.
HURIWA reaffirmed its confidence in the Nigeria Police Force to handle the case professionally and reiterated its stance against the dissemination of false information, cyber-harassment, and online character attacks that undermine reputations and public confidence.As of press time, Ms Baffa had not responded to messages sent to her WhatsApp number.
