Court Issues Arrest Warrant For PDP Factional Chairman Kabiru Turaki

The Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the arrest of Kabiru Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Justice Peter Kekemeke issued a bench warrant when Turaki did not show up in court for his arraignment.

He is facing a charge from the Inspector-General of Police for allegedly giving false information to the police.

During the hearing, the prosecution lawyer, Usman Rabiu, told the court that the case was scheduled for Turaki to take his plea.

He pointed out that the defendant was absent even though he had been properly served with both the charge and a hearing notice.

Rabiu asked the court to invoke Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to issue a warrant for Turaki’s arrest so he could be brought before the court.

He also disagreed with the defence lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, who had filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the charge.

Rabiu argued that such a request could only be considered after the defendant had entered his plea.

In response, Ibrahim asked the court for five more days to file written arguments, saying he wanted to show that Turaki did not need to be present in court until the motion was decided.

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke said Turaki was wrong to stay away from court despite knowing about the case and being officially notified.

He noted that the defence did not deny receiving the court documents and also failed to explain why the defendant was absent.

The judge explained that under Section 396(2) of the ACJA 2015, if a defendant is aware of a charge but refuses to appear, the court should issue a bench warrant to ensure the person is brought in to face the charge.

He also ruled that the defence’s request to dismiss the case was premature and could only be considered after Turaki had taken his plea.

The judge ordered that Turaki be arrested and brought before the court.

.Justice Peter Kekemeke then adjourned the case until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment.

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