Court Issues Arrest Warrant for PDP Factional Chairman Kabiru Turaki

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the arrest of a factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment over an alleged false information case.

The order was issued on Thursday by Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The judge granted a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest following a request by the prosecution.

Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is facing a one-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly providing false information to the police.

According to the charge, Turaki submitted a petition dated 5 October 2022 to the Inspector-General of Police accusing Saidi Mohammed Mainasara of wrongdoing. Police investigators, however, claim the petition was false and intended to misuse the lawful powers of the police against Mainasara. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria.

During the court session, the prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, informed the court that Turaki had been properly served with the charge and hearing notice but failed to appear for his arraignment. He therefore asked the court to issue a bench warrant to compel his attendance.

However, Turaki’s lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), requested more time to file written arguments, insisting that his client’s presence was not necessary until the court determined their application seeking to quash the charge.

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke stated that Turaki’s absence was unjustified since there was no dispute that he had been served with the court documents. He added that a defendant who fails to appear in court after receiving proper notice risks a bench warrant being issued for their arrest.

The judge also ruled that the defence’s application to quash the charge was premature and could only be considered after the defendant had been formally arraigned.

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The court subsequently ordered Turaki’s arrest and adjourned the case to 22 April for his arraignment.

Turaki has been involved in an ongoing leadership dispute within the Peoples Democratic Party after emerging as factional national chairman at a convention held in Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State. However, a court later nullified the convention and recognised the interim leadership aligned with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Despite the dispute, Turaki recently expressed optimism that both factions of the party are working toward reconciliation and lasting peace within the PDP.