Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Tanimu Turaki, the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after he failed to appear in court for his arraignment.
Turaki is facing charges filed by the Nigeria Police Force, led by the Inspector-General of Police, over allegations of providing false information to law enforcement authorities.
During proceedings, prosecution counsel Usman Rabiu told the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He stressed that Turaki had been duly served with both the charge and hearing notice but was absent without explanation.
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 bench warrant.
Defence counsel Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, opposed the move, requesting additional time to file arguments in support of a motion seeking to quash the charge.
He argued that his client’s presence in court was not necessary until the motion had been determined.
However, Justice Kekemeke rejected the defence’s position, ruling that the defendant’s absence, despite confirmed service of court documents, was unjustified.
The court held that any challenge to the validity of the charge could only be entertained after the defendant has entered a plea.
Consequently, the judge ordered the immediate issuance of a bench warrant to ensure Turaki’s appearance in court.
The case has been adjourned until April 22 for arraignment.
