Court Orders Arrest of Factional PDP Chairman Kabiru Turaki Over Court Absence
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued an arrest warrant for Kabiru Turaki, described as a factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, due to his continued failure to appear in court for a criminal case filed by the Inspector General of Police. The order was delivered on Thursday, March 26, by trial judge U.P. Kekemeke, who ruled that Turaki did not provide any valid justification for ignoring the court's summons.
Police Allegations and Court Proceedings
The police have charged Turaki with a one-count accusation of providing false information in a petition submitted in October 2022. Prosecutors informed the court that Turaki was expected to be present for his arraignment but disregarded the directive without a lawful excuse. Court records indicate that the case initially came up on January 28, when Turaki was scheduled to enter a plea, but proceedings were stalled due to his absence. At the resumed sitting, the prosecution urged the judge to issue a bench warrant, noting that the defendant had been properly summoned.
Defence Argument Rejected by Judge
Counsel for Turaki opposed the application for arrest, arguing that his client stayed away because a letter had been written to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court requesting the case be reassigned to another judge. This request was based on a petition questioning confidence in the court. However, in his ruling, Judge Kekemeke rejected this argument, stating that filing a petition before the Chief Judge does not halt criminal proceedings unless a formal directive is issued. The judge emphasized that the court retains authority to proceed until such an order is made.
Outcome and Adjournment
Following the ruling, the court granted the prosecution's request and ordered Turaki's arrest. The matter has been adjourned to March 5 for further proceedings. This development highlights the legal obligations of defendants to appear in court when summoned, regardless of pending petitions or transfer requests.
