The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has formally ordered the arrest of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, the factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after he failed to appear before the court on multiple occasions.
The ruling, delivered by Justice U.P. Kekemeke, underscores the judiciary’s insistence on accountability and adherence to legal processes, regardless of a defendant’s political stature.
Justice Kekemeke emphasized that Turaki provided no valid explanation for his repeated absence, noting that the defendant had been duly served with hearing notices.
There is no justification for the defendant not to appear in court,” the judge said during Thursday’s proceedings.
Consequently, the court directed that Turaki be arrested and brought before it for immediate arraignment.
The legal action against Turaki arises from a one-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The charge, filed on November 15, 2025, accuses Turaki of submitting false information to the police in a petition he lodged in October 2022.
The matter, referenced as FCT/HC/CR/647/25, alleges that Turaki knowingly misled law enforcement officials, an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
According to court documents, Turaki’s alleged misconduct occurred when he provided misleading information to the IGP via a petition dated October 5, 2022.
The petition, according to prosecutors, contained false claims that required formal investigation.
Police prosecutor Usman Rabiu requested that the court activate Section 143 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows for the arrest of a defendant who repeatedly fails to appear in court despite being served with proper notice.
Originally, the case was assigned to Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya.
However, it was later transferred to Justice Kekemeke following a petition by Turaki to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, in which he expressed concerns over the impartiality of the initial judge.
Justice Ogbonnaya had refrained from issuing an arrest warrant, citing procedural considerations.
Yet, the repeated absence of Turaki during resumed proceedings prompted the court to escalate the matter.
Observers note that this case places significant attention on Turaki, not only because of his political influence within the PDP but also due to the seriousness of the allegation that he attempted to mislead the police.
Legal analysts suggest that the court’s decision to order an arrest reinforces the principle that no individual, regardless of political position, is above the law.
The PDP has previously experienced internal divisions, with multiple factions claiming leadership.
Turaki’s factional role adds a political dimension to the case, attracting national attention.
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Political commentators have highlighted that the outcome of the legal proceedings could influence ongoing internal party negotiations and affect Turaki’s standing within the party.
The court’s directive requires law enforcement agencies to ensure that Turaki is located, arrested, and brought before the FCT High Court for arraignment without further delay.
The judiciary stressed that continued defiance of court orders would be treated with utmost seriousness and could result in additional legal consequences.
This case also underscores the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing legal accountability, irrespective of political considerations.
The IGP’s charge against Turaki demonstrates the cooperation between law enforcement and the courts in ensuring that allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
As proceedings continue, attention will remain focused on Turaki and how he responds to the court’s order.
Legal experts anticipate that his appearance will set the stage for the hearing of the substantive charge and potentially for further developments concerning his political and legal position.
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