A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a self-acclaimed factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over allegations of providing false information to the police.
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The trial judge, Peter Kekemeke, issued the order on Thursday after the defendant failed to appear in court for his arraignment on a one-count criminal charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force.
The prosecution, led by Usman Rabiu, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for Turaki to enter his plea. However, the defendant was absent despite reportedly being served with both the charge and a hearing notice.
According to the charge marked CR/647/2026, Turaki is accused of submitting a petition dated October 5, 2022, to the Inspector-General of Police, allegedly containing false information against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara. The prosecution claims the action was intended to misuse police authority to the detriment of the said individual, an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
Turaki’s counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), urged the court to grant additional time to file processes challenging the validity of the charge, arguing that his client’s presence was not necessary until the motion was determined.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, insisting that any challenge to the charge could only be made after the defendant has taken his plea.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that the defendant’s absence, despite proper service of court documents, was unjustified. He further stated that under Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the court is empowered to issue a bench warrant to compel the attendance of a defendant who fails to appear without explanation.
The court also ruled that the defence motion seeking to quash the charge was premature and could only be entertained after arraignment.
Consequently, the court ordered the arrest of Turaki and adjourned the matter to April 22, 2026, for his arraignment.
