New PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki, SAN, following his failure to appear in court for arraignment.
Justice Peter Kekemeke ordered Turaki’s arrest during proceedings on Thursday after the defendant failed to attend court despite being served with the charge and hearing notice.
*Prosecution Seeks Court Order*
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for Turaki to enter his plea to the charge filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who accused him of providing false information to the police.
Rabiu told the court that the defendant was absent even though he had been duly notified of the hearing date.
He subsequently invoked Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, urging the court to issue a bench warrant to compel Turaki’s appearance.
The prosecution also challenged the defence’s reliance on a motion seeking to quash the charge, arguing that such a request could only be entertained after the defendant had taken his plea.
*Defence Requests Additional Time*
However, defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, disagreed with the prosecution’s position. He urged the court to grant five days to file written addresses, insisting that his client’s presence in court was not necessary until the motion challenging the charge was determined.
*Court Ruling*
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that Turaki’s absence was unjustified, especially as there was no dispute that he had been served with the hearing notice and charge.
The judge noted that the defence did not deny that the defendant was aware of the proceedings but failed to provide any reason for his absence.
Justice Kekemeke ruled that under Section 396(2) of the ACJA 2015, where a defendant knowingly stays away from court proceedings, the appropriate step is to issue a bench warrant to compel attendance.
He further held that the motion seeking to quash the charge was premature and could only be considered after the defendant had entered his plea.
Consequently, the court ordered the issuance of a bench warrant against Turaki to compel his appearance to answer the charge.
Justice Kekemeke subsequently adjourned the case until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment.
