UPDATED: Court lifts arrest warrant issued against PDP factional chairman Turaki
…to be arraigned on April 22 A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has vacated the bench warrant it issued on March 26 for the
…to be arraigned on April 22
- From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has vacated the bench warrant it issued on March 26 for the arrest of the factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.
Justice Peter Kekemeke lifted the arrest warrant while ruling on Wednesday on an oral application made by Turaki's lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), following Turaki's appearance in court.
When the case was called, Uche apologised to the court for his absence on the last date. Uche, who claimed to be out of the country, said he returned earlier on Wednesday and headed straight to the court.
Uche also apologised on behalf of his client, whom he said is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and has the highest regard for the court.
He said Turaki's absence on the last date was not intentional, adding that he never intended to disrespect the court.
Uche said, to show good faith, he would withdraw the motion on notice filed by his client for a stay of execution of the arrest warrant, adding that Turaki was also ready to plead to a pending charge.
Responding to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, the lawyer, said he was not opposed to Uche's applications.
Rabiu noted that the essence of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to submit to the jurisdiction of the court and that since he has attended court, the purpose of the order for his arrest has been achieved.
He added, "Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today."
Ruling, Justice Kekemeke noted that the defendant attended on his own before the arrest warrant could be executed.
The judge also noted that his lawyer apologised for his absence, even though the reason why he was absent was not clear from what Uche said.
He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest warrant.
Justice Kekemeke said since the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the defendant, it was inappropriate to proceed with the defendant's arraignment.
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The judge also struck out a motion on notice filed by Turaki, in which he had sought the stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it, and Rabiu did not object.
Justice Kekemeke adjourned April 22 for Turaki's arraignment on a one-count charge, marked: CR/647/2026, brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Justice Kekemeke had, on March 26, issued the arrest warrant after Turaki failed to attend court for the purpose of his being arraigned on the one-count criminal charge in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police.
The count in the charge reads:
*That you Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN), male, No: 37 T. Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja on or about 5th October, 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court you gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police via petition dated 5th October, 2022 and signed by you on your letter head paper against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara with intent to use the lawful power of Inspector-General of Police to the injury or annoyance of the said Muhammed Mainasara and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
