A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, has ordered the arrest of Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), described as a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over alleged false information supplied to the police.
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued a bench warrant on Thursday after Turaki failed to appear in court for his arraignment on a one-count criminal charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
At the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, told the court that the matter was slated for the defendant to take his plea. He noted that Turaki was duly served with both the charge and a hearing notice but was absent without explanation.
The charge, marked CR/647/2026, alleges that Turaki, on October 5, 2022, in Abuja, submitted a petition to the IGP containing false information against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara, with intent to invoke police powers to the latter’s injury or annoyance—an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code.
Relying on 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 (SAN), opposed the application, pointing to a pending motion seeking to quash the charge and requesting time to file further arguments. He argued that his client’s presence was not required until the motion was determined.
The prosecution disagreed, maintaining that any challenge to the charge could only be entertained after the defendant had taken his plea.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that the defendant’s failure to appear, despite confirmed service of court processes, was unjustified. He further ruled that the motion to quash the charge was premature and could not be heard before arraignment.
The court consequently issued a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest and adjourned the case to April 22 for arraignment.
