Court Halts Police’s Use of DNA Test in High-Profile Paternity Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has temporarily restrained the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) from presenting a DNA test result in the ongoing paternity dispute involving Kabiru Turaki, the former Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Turaki is in a legal battle with Hadiza Baffa, who claims that Turaki is the father of her child. The court’s decision came after M.L. Anthony, the counsel representing the police and the Inspector-General of Police, requested more time to comply with a previous court order.

Turaki’s legal representative, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, informed the court that the police were planning to use a DNA test result, which he claimed was obtained unlawfully and in violation of his client’s fundamental rights. The result was allegedly going to be used against Turaki in a criminal case before the FCT Magistrate Court in Abuja.

Justice Inyang Ekwo had earlier declined Turaki’s request to stop the DNA result from being presented, ruling that a decision could not be made without hearing from the police and other involved parties. The judge ordered Turaki to notify all relevant respondents within two days and set a date for the respondents to justify why Turaki’s request should not be granted.

When the matter was brought before the court again, Ibrahim stated that the police had not complied with the court’s order to file affidavits in response. Instead, they had submitted a counter-affidavit, which the judge found unsatisfactory. This prompted the request for an adjournment, which was granted by Justice Ekwo.

Justice Ekwo also noted that Hadiza, the woman involved in the paternity case, had complied with the court’s order and filed an affidavit to show cause. However, due to the non-compliance of the police, the judge expressed frustration, stating that the matter could have been resolved sooner if not for the delays.

In granting the adjournment, the judge issued a strong order, restraining the respondents from taking any action that might interfere with Turaki’s requests. The police were instructed to file all necessary processes before the next hearing on February 28.

Turaki’s motion, filed on February 13, 2025, seeks an injunction to prevent the use of the DNA test result, which was allegedly conducted on November 5, 2024. In his motion, Turaki claims that his rights were violated during the DNA collection process, which he states was conducted after he was detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department for over six hours.

Turaki has filed a separate case against Hadiza, challenging her claims regarding their relationship and the paternity of her child. He contends that the DNA test was an illegal attempt to strengthen her case, and he has called on the court to block any attempt by the police to use the DNA result in his criminal case.

The matter is set to be heard again on February 28, with both parties preparing to present their cases.