A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former minister and factional PDP figure, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, over allegations of providing false information to the police.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Peter Kekemeke after Turaki failed to appear in court for his arraignment on a one-count criminal charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police.
Prosecuting counsel, Usman Rabiu, told the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He noted that Turaki was absent despite being duly served with both the charge and a hearing notice.
According to the charge (CR/647/2026), Turaki allegedly submitted a petition dated October 5, 2022, to the Inspector-General of Police, accusing one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara, with the intent of using police authority to cause harm or annoyance. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code.
Invoking Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the prosecution urged the court to compel the defendant’s appearance through a warrant of arrest.
Defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, argued that a pending motion seeking to quash the charge should be determined first and requested additional time to file written submissions.
However, Justice Kekemeke ruled that the defendant’s absence was unjustified, especially as there was no dispute that he had been served with court processes. He held that the law permits the issuance of a bench warrant where a defendant, aware of a pending charge, fails to appear without explanation.
The court further ruled that the defence’s motion to quash the charge could only be entertained after the defendant has taken his plea.
Consequently, the judge ordered Turaki’s arrest to ensure his appearance in court and adjourned the matter until April 22 for arraignment.
