A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the warrant after Turaki failed to appear in court for his arraignment on a one-count criminal charge brought by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accusing him of giving false information to the police.
When the case was called, the prosecution lawyer, Usman Rabiu, noted that Turaki had been duly served with both the charge and a hearing notice but did not attend. Citing Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, Rabiu urged the court to issue a bench warrant to ensure Turaki’s presence for arraignment.
The defence lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), argued that the court should first consider a motion filed to quash the charge, requesting five more days to submit written addresses. Justice Kekemeke, however, ruled that such a motion could only be heard after the defendant’s plea had been entered.
The judge emphasized that Turaki, aware of the proceedings and duly served, had no valid reason to be absent. Consequently, the court issued a bench warrant to compel his attendance and adjourned the case to April 22 for arraignment.
The charge, filed as CR/647/2026, alleges that on October 5, 2022, Turaki provided false information to the IGP against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with intent to misuse lawful police powers, an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
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