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By Oscar Okhifo
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday ordered the arrest of factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Barrister Kabiru Turaki, after he repeatedly failed to appear in court to answer a criminal charge of allegedly giving false information to the police.
The order was issued by Justice Peter Kekemeke following repeated absences by the former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, who is standing trial on a one-count charge of alleged false information.
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/647/25, was instituted by the Inspector-General of Police, who alleged that Turaki misled investigators through a petition he submitted in 2022.
According to the charge, Turaki was accused of giving false information to the police in a petition dated October 5, 2022, an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
At Thursday’s proceedings, police prosecutor Usman Rabiu urged the court to order the defendant’s arrest, saying:
“The defendant has been repeatedly absent in court despite being duly served with hearing notices, and we respectfully pray the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest in line with the provisions of the law.”
The prosecutor further relied on Section 143 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 in urging the court to compel Turaki’s appearance.
The matter was initially before Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya, who declined to issue a bench warrant before it was later reassigned to Justice Kekemeke following a petition by Turaki expressing lack of confidence in the earlier handling of the trial.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Kekemeke held:
“There is no justification for the defendant’s continued absence from court. The records show he was duly served, yet he has failed to appear without any lawful excuse.”
The judge further stated:
“The court cannot continue to indulge such absence. Accordingly, a bench warrant is hereby issued for the arrest and production of the defendant before this court for arraignment.”
The matter was adjourned to April 22 for further proceedings upon his appearance.