Court Lifts Arrest Warrant Against PDP Factional Chairman, Turaki

An Abuja High Court has set aside the bench warrant previously issued for the arrest of factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, following his appearance before the court.

According to Ireporter Online, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, nullified the arrest order earlier granted on March 26 after considering an oral application presented by Turaki’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN).

During proceedings, Uche tendered an apology to the court over his absence at the last sitting, explaining that he had been out of the country and only returned earlier in the day before heading straight to court. He also conveyed his client’s apology, stressing that Turaki holds the court in high esteem and did not deliberately disregard its authority.

The senior advocate further demonstrated willingness to move the case forward by withdrawing a previously filed motion seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant, adding that his client was prepared to take his plea.

Counsel to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, did not oppose the application, noting that the essence of the arrest warrant had been to compel the defendant’s appearance in court, which had now been achieved.

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke acknowledged Turaki’s voluntary appearance and the apology submitted through his counsel, granting him pardon and vacating the arrest warrant.

However, the court declined to proceed with the arraignment, stating that the matter had originally been fixed for the hearing of the motion on notice. The court also struck out the motion for stay of execution after it was formally withdrawn without objection from the prosecution.

The case was subsequently adjourned to April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge instituted by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that he provided false information to law enforcement authorities.