The Factional PDP National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has appealed the bench warrant issued by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for his arrest.
The warrant was issued by Justice Peter Kekemeke due to Turaki’s failure to appear in court for a one-count charge of allegedly giving false information to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in a petition he wrote.
Turaki, who was minister of special duties and inter-governmental affairs from 2013 to 2015, explained his absence through his principal private secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, citing a sudden medical visit.
He also mentioned that his lawyers had submitted an application to have the charge dismissed, which normally does not require his actual attendance.
“The warrant was granted because of his absence in court today when the case was called. The petition was written in 2022, and due to his sudden hospital visitation, he was unable to attend. Additionally, his lawyers had filed an application seeking to quash the charge, which ordinarily would not require his presence,” the statement said.
Turaki’s legal team promptly filed an appeal and an application for a stay of execution against the bench warrant.
He insisted that the problem had nothing to do with the PDP but hinted at probable external political involvement.
“While it needs emphasizing that this matter is completely unrelated to the Peoples Democratic Party, external political influence cannot be completely ruled out,” the statement added.
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/647/25, was initially before Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya but was reassigned to Justice Kekemeke after Turaki petitioned the Chief Judge, expressing dissatisfaction with the earlier proceedings.
Prosecuting counsel Usman Rabiu had urged the court to compel Turaki’s attendance, citing repeated absences and invoking the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
