The prosecution in the ongoing trial of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory to allow it to reopen its case, call additional witnesses and tender further evidence.
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Turaki is standing trial on a one-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police, in which he is accused, among other things, of giving false information to the police.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Usman Aliyu informed the court that the prosecution had filed an application seeking leave to reopen its case after earlier closing it on June 18 following the testimony of a single witness.
Aliyu told the court that the additional witnesses and evidence were necessary to ensure what he described as a fair and proper prosecution of the case.
Relying on several legal authorities, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice.
The application was, however, opposed by Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, who asked the court to dismiss it with substantial costs.
Ibrahim argued that an application to reopen a prosecution’s case could not be granted merely because it had been requested, insisting that sufficient material must be placed before the court to justify such an order.
He reminded the court that at the commencement of trial, the prosecution had indicated that it had only one witness to call.
According to him, after that witness concluded his testimony and the prosecution closed its case, Aliyu also informed the court that the prosecution was satisfied with the evidence of its sole witness.
The defence therefore argued that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient justification for reversing that position and seeking to introduce additional witnesses and evidence after formally closing its case.
Ibrahim further alleged that the application was intended to prolong the proceedings and subject Turaki to what he described as a needless trial.
He urged the court to reject the application and award substantial costs against the prosecution.
The prosecution, on the other hand, maintained that reopening the case would serve the interest of justice and allow it to present further material considered relevant to the charge.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Peter Kekemeke adjourned the matter until November 2, 2026, for ruling on whether the prosecution will be permitted to reopen its case.
The court’s decision will determine whether the prosecution can call additional witnesses and tender further evidence despite having earlier closed its case after the testimony of one witness.
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