The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the Nigeria Police Force from presenting a DNA test result as evidence in a paternity dispute involving former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki, and Hadiza Baffa.
Background of the Case
Baffa claims that Turaki is the father of her child and petitioned the police, leading to his arraignment on February 6, 2025, before an FCT Magistrate Court in Abuja on charges including false marriage, adultery, and criminal intimidation under the Penal Code.
Turaki, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of ₦1 million. He later filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Inspector General of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police Rita Oki Oyintare, and Baffa.
Legal Battle Over DNA Test
Turaki sought an interim injunction to stop the police from using the DNA paternity test conducted on November 5, 2024, at DNA Labs Limited, arguing that it was obtained without his consent and in violation of his rights.
In his plea, Turaki claimed he was detained for six hours at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Area 10, Garki, Abuja, and was later forced to provide a swab sample for the DNA test before being released at 10 PM that day.
Court’s Ruling
In an earlier ruling on February 18, Justice Inyang Ekwo declined Turaki’s request to permanently bar the police from presenting the DNA result, stating that the respondents must be heard first.
However, during the February 25 hearing, the court issued an interim restraining order, preventing the police from using or relying on the DNA test result until further notice.
Justice Ekwo also directed the police to file all necessary documents and adjourned the case to February 28, 2025, for further hearing.
Legal Reactions
Turaki’s lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), accused the police of trying to use an illegally obtained DNA result to prosecute his client.
Meanwhile, Baffa’s lawyer, Usman Chamo, confirmed that they had filed a counter-affidavit in response to Turaki’s claims.
The court also reprimanded the police for failing to comply with previous orders and warned against any action that could undermine the ongoing legal process.
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