Abuja Court Adjourns Defamation Case to August 12

An Upper Area Court in Abuja, Nigeria, presided over by Honorable Shehu Ahmed, has adjourned a defamation case involving Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki as the plaintiff to August 12, 2024, for further consideration.

The case, filed on June 23rd, 2024, revolves around allegations of false paternity and adultery made by the defendants, Musa Basiru Baffa, Hadiza Musa Baffa, and Uwani Arabi, against the plaintiff.

The plaintiff denied these allegations, stating they are “entirely false and without basis.” He seeks a declaration from the court that the child is not his biological daughter and that the adultery allegation is false and defamatory.

The defendants have filed a 36-paragraph statement of defense, substantiating the circumstances of the plaintiff’s alleged involvement. The statement, filed on July 30, 2024, claims that the plaintiff impregnated the second defendant, resulting in the child in question.

Barr. M.B. Usman, counsel to the plaintiff, expressed confidence in their case, stating, “We look forward to presenting our arguments on the adjourned date.” The defendants’ counsel, Barr. Mutiu Akinsanya, declined to comment on the case.

The court’s decision on August 12 will determine the case’s future proceedings. The judge will assess whether a witness is required to provide crucial evidence or clarification. Some observers suggest that a DNA test could be a possible next step to ascertain the paternity of the child in question.