A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Tanimu Turaki, the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his failure to appear in court for arraignment.
The order was issued on Thursday by Justice Peter Kekemeke after Turaki failed to attend proceedings despite being served with the charge and a hearing notice.
Turaki is being prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police for allegedly giving false information to the police.
At the hearing, prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, told the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea but noted that Turaki was absent despite being duly notified of the proceedings. He subsequently invoked Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, urging the court to issue a bench warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance.
Rabiu also opposed the defence’s reference to a motion seeking to quash the charge, arguing that the validity of the charge could only be challenged after the defendant had entered his plea.
Counsel to the defendant, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), requested five additional days to file written addresses, insisting that Turaki’s presence in court was not necessary until the motion to quash the charge had been determined.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that the defendant’s absence was unjustified, noting that the defence did not dispute that Turaki had been served with both the charge and hearing notice.
The judge ruled that under Section 396(2) of the ACJA, a bench warrant is appropriate where a defendant, aware of a pending charge, fails to appear in court without explanation.
The court further held that the motion to quash the charge was premature and could only be considered after the defendant’s plea had been taken.
Justice Kekemeke subsequently ordered the issuance of a bench warrant to compel Turaki’s appearance in court and adjourned the case until April 22 for arraignment.