The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tanimu Turaki, after he failed to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment.
Justice Peter Kekemeke gave the order following Turaki’s absence at proceedings where he was expected to take his plea in a criminal charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
Turaki is being prosecuted for allegedly providing false information to the police.
At the hearing, prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and plea. He told the court that the defendant had been duly served with both the charge and hearing notice but failed to appear without explanation.
Relying on Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Rabiu urged the court to issue a bench warrant to compel Turaki’s appearance.
However, defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, drew attention to a pending motion seeking to quash the charge, arguing that the court should first determine that application.
He also requested an additional five days to file written addresses to support his position that his client’s personal appearance was unnecessary until the motion had been resolved.
The prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that any challenge to the validity of the charge could only be entertained after the defendant had formally entered his plea.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that Turaki’s failure to attend court, despite clear evidence that he had been served with the necessary documents, was unjustified. The judge noted that the defence did not dispute service of the hearing notice and offered no satisfactory reason for the defendant’s absence.
According to the court, Section 396(2) of the ACJA empowers the court to issue a bench warrant where a defendant, fully aware of pending charges, deliberately refuses to appear.
Justice Kekemeke further ruled that the defence motion seeking to quash the charge was premature, stressing that such an application can only be considered after arraignment and plea.
He consequently ordered Turaki’s arrest to ensure his appearance before the court and adjourned the matter until April 22 for arraignment.
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