Ex-Minister Turaki arraigned, granted bail over alleged fraud

A former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), was on Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over alleged fraud.

He was, however, granted bail by the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, along with three other defendants in a 16-count charge of unlawful and criminal misappropriation of funds levelled against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The other defendants are one Sampson Okpetu, who served as Turaki’s special assistant, as well as Samtee Essentials Limited and Pasco Investment Limited which allegedly belong to Okpetu.

Both the former minister and Okpetu pleaded not guilty when the charges levelled against them were read out to them.

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Consequently, Justice Ekwo granted the former minister bail in self-recognisance. The judge then slated June 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2020 for the commencement of the trial.

Turaki served as a minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

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