…urges police to fast track investigations, prosecute suspect
A human rights and civil society organisation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has once again drawn the attention of the Nigerian public to a fresh case of alleged fraud involving Hadiza Musa Baffa, the same woman recently accused of fabricating falsehoods and attempting to blackmail a former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
HURIWA said from information available to the Association, several individuals have accused Ms. Baffa of collecting about ₦16 million under the pretext of facilitating Saudi Arabian visas for the lesser Hajj (Umrah). But when the visas reportedly failed to materialise, the affected persons were said to have filed a direct criminal complaint before a Magistrate’s Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which then directed the Zuba Police Division to investigate the matter.
HURIWA in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko noted that, based on accounts from police sources, the suspect was later invited for questioning. She was said to have admitted receiving funds from some complainants and requested time to refund the money before being released on bail.
But HURIWA said reports later indicated that she could not be reached thereafter, prompting further police efforts to trace her.
The human rights body stated that the latest incident should be treated with urgency and transparency, given the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on public trust.
HURIWA also recalled that, during its press briefing of September 2, 2025, it had expressed concern over earlier controversies linking Ms. Baffa to allegations of impersonation and false claims involving a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
“At that time, we clarified that the police had already investigated the matter and found no wrongdoing on the part of the former minister. Both Ms. Baffa’s father and her legal representatives had also withdrawn prior petitions and tendered apologies in writing,” the Association said.
HURIWA noted that following the briefing, Mr. Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), further affirmed that all prior allegations against his client were duly investigated and found to be baseless, and that the former minister has consistently relied on lawful means to defend his integrity.
The human rights body commended the police for their diligence in handling the latest complaint and urged them to ensure due process in investigating and prosecuting the matter before the appropriate court of law.
HURIWA also referenced a recent ruling of an Upper Area Court in Abuja, which granted a perpetual injunction restraining Ms. Baffa from publishing or circulating statements or materials linking her child’s paternity to Mr. Turaki.
Quoting from the September 4 judgment delivered by Judge Adamu Isah, the Association recalled that the court ordered the defendant and her associates not to make or distribute such claims on any platform.
According to HURIWA, the court’s decision was intended to prevent further misuse of social or digital media for unverified or defamatory claims while preserving the rights of all parties within the bounds of the law.
While calling on the Police to intensify efforts to ensure accountability and justice in the ongoing ₦16 million visa case, HURIWA urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify information before engaging in any financial transactions.
“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 spread of false information, cyber-harassment, and online character attacks that can harm reputations and public confidence.