A lawyer, Barrister Dennis Gapsiso, has refuted rape allegations levelled against former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, by one Hadiza Baffa, describing her as a serial fraudster who duped several people of over ₦27 million.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Gapsiso said he felt compelled to “set the record straight” following a viral video in which Baffa accused Turaki of raping her in 2014 and using his influence to silence her.
“My clients – Taye Adewale, Areola Osho, Kolapo Hosieni, Solomon Adenuga, and Omotayo Ifapetu Adiri – were all defrauded by Hadiza, who posed as the daughter of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki. She collected various sums of money, amounting to ₦27 million, under different false pretenses,” he alleged.
Arrest and Investigations
According to Gapsiso, a petition was filed at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Area 10, Abuja, on August 30, 2021, leading to Hadiza’s arrest. He said charms were allegedly found in her possession at the time.
“Ironically, she did not want Kabiru Tanimu Turaki to know about her arrest, even though she claimed he was her father. This confirmed she was only using his name without his knowledge,” the lawyer added.
He explained that background checks revealed Hadiza was once admitted to the University of Maiduguri but later transferred to Baze University after Turaki intervened at her mother’s request. She was, however, reportedly withdrawn in her first year.
“She went around claiming to be a first-class law graduate of Baze University, which is false. Even while in school, she extorted money from the former minister under the guise of registration and other expenses,” he said.
Clients’ Ordeals
Gapsiso detailed how Baffa allegedly conned his clients.
Taye Adewale was allegedly deceived into a relationship with a fake pregnancy claim.
Kolapo Hosieni reportedly lost ₦7 million after she promised him a job at ECOWAS, where she had no employment.
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Areola Osho allegedly lost ₦5 million in a fraudulent house rent deal.
Solomon Adenuga and Omotayo Ifapetu Adiri were said to have been duped through fake accommodation offers.
The lawyer added that Baffa was held in detention for weeks until Turaki intervened.
“Barrister Turaki assured us that if the matter was withdrawn, he would pay the money. He did so because he didn’t want her to remain in detention. Unfortunately, Hadiza turned around to scandalize him with false rape claims,” Gapsiso said.
Call for Caution
He concluded by warning the public against falling victim to Baffa’s alleged schemes.
“People like her are ingrates, and their activities discourage others from helping those genuinely in need,” he stated.
Efforts to contact Baffa for her response proved unsuccessful.
In a viral video dated August 17, 2025, Baffa vowed to provide evidence of her rape allegations against Turaki, but none has so far been made public or submitted to the police.