Court vacates arrest warrant against PDP’s Turaki after court appearance

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday set aside the bench warrant it had issued on March 26 for the arrest of factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.

Justice Peter Kekemeke lifted the warrant while ruling on an oral request by Turaki’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), after the defendant appeared in court.

At the hearing, Uche apologised for missing the previous sitting, explaining that he had been out of the country and returned earlier in the day before heading straight to court.

He also conveyed his client’s apology, noting that Turaki, a senior advocate, holds the court in high regard and did not deliberately stay away or intend any form of disrespect.

To demonstrate good faith, Uche informed the court of his decision to withdraw a motion on notice seeking to halt the execution of the arrest warrant. He added that Turaki was ready to take his plea on the charge against him.

Prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, said he had no objection to the requests, explaining that the warrant was issued solely to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. He noted that since Turaki was present, the purpose of the order had been achieved.

“Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today.”

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke observed that the defendant appeared voluntarily before the warrant could be enforced. He also acknowledged the apology from Turaki’s lawyer, despite the explanation for his earlier absence being unclear.

The judge, however, chose to pardon the defendant and vacated the arrest warrant.

He added that since the matter was slated for hearing of the defendant’s motion, it would be inappropriate to proceed with arraignment on the same day.

The court also struck out the motion seeking to stay execution of the warrant after Uche withdrew it and the prosecution raised no objection.

Justice Kekemeke adjourned the case until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge (CR/647/2026) filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The warrant had earlier been issued on March 26 after Turaki failed to appear in court to take his plea on the charge, which includes allegations of providing false information to the police.