The Human Rights Writers Affiliation of Nigeria (HURIWA) has known as on the police to accentuate efforts to make sure accountability and justice within the ongoing N16 million visa fraud case involving Ms Hadiza Baffa.
Baffa allegedly collected about N16 million from a number of people beneath the pretext of securing Saudi Arabian visas for the lesser Hajj (Umrah). When the visas reportedly did not materialise, the affected individuals filed a felony criticism earlier than a Justice of the Peace’s Courtroom within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which directed the Zuba Police Division to research the matter.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect was later invited for questioning, throughout which she allegedly admitted to receiving funds from some complainants and requested time to refund the cash earlier than being launched on bail. Nevertheless, subsequent studies indicated that she turned unreachable, prompting renewed police efforts to find her.
In an announcement issued yesterday, HURIWA’s Nationwide Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, urged members of the general public to stay vigilant and confirm info earlier than participating in any monetary transactions.
The affiliation described the case as critical and deserving of transparency and urgency, warning that such allegations might erode public belief.
HURIWA additionally recalled that in its September 2, 2025, press briefing, it had raised considerations over earlier controversies linking Baffa to allegations of impersonation. and false claims involving a former Minister of Particular Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, KabiruTanimuTuraki.
It famous that Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, had since clarified that every one prior allegations towards his consumer had been investigated and located to be baseless, affirming that the previous minister had relied solely on lawful means to defend his integrity.
The affiliation recommended the police for his or her diligence in dealing with the present case and urged them to make sure due course of in investigating and prosecuting the matter earlier than a reliable courtroom.
HURIWA additionally referenced a current ruling of an Higher Space Courtroom in Abuja, which granted a perpetual injunction restraining Baffa from publishing or circulating statements linking her little one’s paternity to Turaki.
Quoting from the September 4 judgment delivered by Choose AdamuIsah, the affiliation recalled that the courtroom ordered Baffa and her associates to desist from making or distributing such claims on any platform.
Based on HURIWA, the ruling aimed to forestall additional misuse of social and digital media for unverified or defamatory claims, whereas upholding the rights of all events throughout the legislation.
“The legislation should take its full course on this matter. Allegations of monetary misconduct, particularly people who exploit belief or faith-based motives, deserve thorough and neutral investigation,” the affiliation acknowledged.
HURIWA reaffirmed its confidence within the Nigeria Police Power to deal with the case professionally and reiterated its stance towards the dissemination of false info, cyber-harassment, and on-line character assaults that undermine reputations and public confidence.As of press time, Ms Baffa had not responded to messages despatched to her WhatsApp quantity.
