Court Voids Bench Warrant Issued Against Turaki

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has voided a bench warrant it issued on March 26 for the arrest of the factional National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.

Justice Peter Kekemeke set aside the bench warrant in a ruling delivered on Wednesday, April 1, on an oral application by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), following his appearance in court.

When the case was called, Uche, Turaki’s counsel, apologised to the court for his absence on the last date.

He, however, claimed to be out of the country, noting that he returned earlier today and headed straight to the court.

Uche added that Turaki’s absence on the last date was not intentional and deliberate, adding that he never intended to disrespect the court.

He added that, in a bid to show good faith, he would withdraw the motion on notice filed by his client for stay of execution of the arrest warrant, adding that Turaki was also ready to take his plea to a charge pending against him.

While responding to the prosecution, the lawyer, Usman Rabiu, said he was not opposed to Uche’s applications.

Rabiu made it known that the rationale behind the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to submit to the jurisdiction of the court and that since he has attended court, the purpose of the order for his arrest has been met.

He added: “Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today.”

Ruling, Justice Kekemeke noted that the defendant attended the court on his own before the arrest warrant could be executed.

The judge also noted that his lawyer had apologised for his absence, even though the reason why he was absent was not clear from what Uche said.

He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest warrant.

Justice Kekemeke said since the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the defendant, it was inappropriate to proceed with the defendant’s arraignment.

The judge also struck out a motion on notice filed by Turaki, in which he had sought the stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it, and Rabiu did not object.

Justice Kekemeke adjourned April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge, marked: CR/647/2026, brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Justice Kekemeke had, on March 26, issued the arrest warrant after Turaki failed to attend court for the purpose of his being arraigned on the one-count criminal charge in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police.

The count in the charge reads: That you Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN), male, No: 37 T. Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja on or about 5th October, 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court you gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police via petition dated 5th October, 2022 and signed by you on your letter head paper against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with intent to use the lawful power of Inspector-General of Police to the injury or annoyance of the said Muhammed Mainasara and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.