A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has ordered the arrest of Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Justice Peter Kekemeke issued the bench warrant on Thursday following Turaki’s failure to appear for arraignment on a criminal charge brought by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The prosecution, led by Usman Rabiu, informed the court that the defendant had been duly served with the charge and a hearing notice but was absent without explanation. Invoking Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the prosecution urged the court to issue a warrant to compel Turaki’s presence.
A disagreement arose when the defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), argued that a motion challenging the validity of the charge should be resolved before his client’s plea was taken. The prosecution countered, maintaining that the defendant must first enter a plea.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that it was improper for Turaki to stay away despite being aware of the proceedings. He noted that the defence did not provide any reason for the defendant’s absence. The judge ruled that the motion to quash the charge was not ripe for hearing, as such applications can only be entertained after a plea has been entered.
Consequently, the judge issued a bench warrant for the senator’s arrest and adjourned the case until April 22 for his arraignment. Turaki is facing a one-count charge of giving false information to the police, an offense punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
