A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), following his failure to appear in court for arraignment on a criminal charge.
The presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, gave the order after Turaki was absent during proceedings despite evidence that he had been duly served with both the charge and a hearing notice.
Turaki is facing a one-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police, accusing him of providing false information to law enforcement authorities. According to the charge, marked CR/647/2026, the defendant allegedly submitted a petition dated October 5, 2022, in Abuja, in which he made claims against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara. The prosecution maintains that the information was false and was intended to misuse the powers of the police to the detriment of the said individual.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
At the hearing, prosecution counsel Usman Rabiu informed the court that the matter was scheduled for Turaki to enter his plea. He noted that the defendant’s absence was without justification, despite proper service of court processes. Rabiu urged the court to invoke Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and issue a bench warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance.
Counsel to the defendant, Abdul-aziz Ibrahim (SAN), however, opposed the application, drawing the court’s attention to a pending motion seeking to quash the charge. He argued that the defendant’s presence was not necessary until the court determined the motion and requested additional time to file written submissions.
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In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke rejected the defence’s argument, holding that the defendant had no valid excuse for failing to attend court. The judge noted that the defence did not dispute that Turaki had been served with the hearing notice, yet failed to explain his absence.
He further held that, in line with the provisions of Section 396(2) of the ACJA, where a defendant is aware of a pending charge but refuses to appear, the appropriate order is to issue a bench warrant to secure their attendance.
The court also ruled that the motion to quash the charge was premature and could only be entertained after the defendant had taken his plea.
Consequently, Justice Kekemeke ordered the immediate issuance of a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest and adjourned the case until April 22 for his arraignment.
The development marks a significant turn in the case, as the court moves to enforce compliance with its proceedings and ensure the defendant answers to the allegations brought against him.
