Civil society groups have demanded justice for Hadiza Musa Baffa, who has accused Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a senior lawyer and former minister of Special Duties & Intergovernmental Affairs of prolonged sexual harassment, abuse, and intimidation.
At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Talk Initiative Civil Society Organisation vowed to pursue justice for Baffa, insisting that her claims of abuse spanning several years must not be swept aside.
Pauline Okoeguale, lead counselor of the group, said the organisation has been in direct contact with Baffa and is committed to amplifying her voice against what she described as institutional silencing.
“We have established direct contact with Hadiza Musa Baffa and we stand firmly with her in this fight for justice. Her ordeal with Mr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, is heartbreaking, and we cannot remain silent,” Okoeguale declared.
She stressed that the campaign was not politically motivated but rather about the protection of a vulnerable mother and her child.
“This campaign has no political undertone. It is simply about the safety of a mother and the welfare of her child. Nigerians, civil society groups, and all advocates of justice must rally behind Hadiza. She must not face this battle alone,” she said.
The organisation urged the police and judiciary to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the allegations.
Okoeguale warned that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
“No woman should ever be forced to choose between silence and survival,” she added.
The case has sparked widespread attention online, with the hashtag #JusticeForHadiza trending on social media.
Activists say the campaign must not become another fleeting moment of outrage but a test of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting women from abuse.
Baffa herself, speaking publicly about her ordeal, accused Turaki of years of abuse, repeated rape, and coercion that forced her into multiple abortions.
“I was raped repeatedly. I was forced to terminate eight pregnancies. I was humiliated. My life was threatened, and I had to flee my home.
“I have been harassed and detained by police. I’ve been bullied with influence and power,” she said tearfully.
She further alleged that despite obtaining a positive DNA result linking Turaki as the father of her child, he has continued to deny paternity.
“Even after reporting the case, security agencies pressured me to withdraw it. I was detained for 10 hours and forced to provide DNA evidence.
“Despite the positive DNA result proving he is the father of my child, Turaki continues to deny everything,” she said.
Baffa recounted the difficulty of compelling Turaki to submit DNA samples, alleging that he repeatedly evaded the process before eventually being compelled by authorities.
According to her, he still refused to return with his own results despite a request from the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
“All I want is justice for myself and my child. I’ve endured so much. He’s said he would use his money and influence to make sure no one believes me, even my own parents. He told me nothing would happen even if I reported him. He has people. He’s untouchable,” she said.
“Please, Nigerians, I’m begging you, stand with me. I want safety for myself and my child. I just want justice”, she noted.
