Court Orders Arrest of PDP Factional Chairman Over Court Absence

By Wellington Jopelo

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered the arrest of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, for failing to appear in court for his arraignment. 

The presiding judge, Justice U.P. Kekemeke, issued a bench warrant after ruling that the defendant had no valid excuse for his absence. The case, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, involves a one-count charge of allegedly providing false information to the police in a petition dated October 2022. 

The matter had earlier been scheduled for arraignment, but proceedings were stalled due to Turaki’s failure to appear in court despite a prior directive. During the latest hearing, the prosecution urged the court to compel his appearance by issuing a warrant of arrest. 

Defence counsel told the court that Turaki’s absence was linked to a petition filed before the Chief Judge seeking the transfer of the case, citing lack of confidence in the court. However, Justice Kekemeke held that such a petition does not stop criminal proceedings unless officially approved. 

The court subsequently granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that the defendant be arrested and produced before the court for arraignment. The case was adjourned for further proceedings.

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