A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has nullified the arrest order previously issued against Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, the factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The development marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal proceedings involving the senior lawyer and politician.
The trial judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, vacated the bench warrant on Wednesday after Turaki appeared voluntarily before the court.
The warrant had earlier been issued to compel his attendance following his absence at a previous sitting.
However, his physical presence in court and the application made by his legal team influenced the court’s decision to rescind the order.
During the proceedings, Turaki’s counsel, Chris Uche, addressed the court and offered a detailed apology for his client’s earlier absence.
He explained that he had been outside the country on the previous date and had only returned on the morning of the hearing.
According to him, he proceeded directly from the airport to the courtroom, demonstrating urgency and respect for the judicial process.
Uche also apologised on behalf of Turaki, stressing that his client holds the court in the highest regard and never intended to undermine its authority.
He further clarified that the absence was neither deliberate nor an attempt to delay proceedings.
In a move aimed at showing sincerity, the lawyer informed the court of his decision to withdraw an earlier application seeking to halt the execution of the arrest warrant.
The defence also indicated readiness to move forward with the case, stating that Turaki was prepared to enter a plea in response to the one-count charge pending against him.
This assurance appeared to reinforce the defence’s commitment to ensuring that the matter progresses without unnecessary delays.
On the part of the prosecution, Usman Rabiu adopted a cooperative stance.
He informed the court that he had no objection to the defence’s applications, including the withdrawal of the motion and the request to vacate the arrest warrant.
Rabiu explained that the primary aim of the warrant was to secure Turaki’s appearance in court, a goal that had already been achieved.
He added that with Turaki now present before the court, there was no need to insist on the enforcement of the arrest order.
The prosecution also expressed readiness to proceed with the arraignment, although the court later decided otherwise on procedural grounds.
In delivering his ruling, Justice Kekemeke acknowledged that Turaki had presented himself before the court willingly before the warrant could be executed.
READ: Court orders arrest of PDP chairman Turaki
The judge noted that while the explanation for the earlier absence lacked full clarity, the apologies tendered by both counsel and defendant were sufficient grounds for leniency.
Consequently, the court exercised its discretion in favour of Turaki and formally set aside the arrest warrant.
This decision effectively removed the immediate legal pressure that the warrant posed on the defendant, allowing the case to proceed under less contentious circumstances.
Despite vacating the warrant, the court declined to proceed with Turaki’s arraignment on the same day.
Justice Kekemeke explained that the matter had already been scheduled for the hearing of pending motions, making it procedurally inappropriate to combine it with arraignment proceedings.
Following the withdrawal of the defence application, the court struck out the motion seeking to stay the execution of the arrest warrant.
With no objections from the prosecution, this aspect of the case was concluded swiftly.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until April 22, when Turaki is expected to be formally arraigned on the charge filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police.
The adjournment provides both parties with adequate time to prepare for the next stage of the trial.
It would be recalled that the court had initially issued the bench warrant on March 26 after Turaki failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment.
The absence prompted the court to take action to ensure his compliance with judicial directives.
The charge against Turaki centres on allegations that he provided false information to the police through a petition dated October 5, 2022.
The petition was reportedly signed on his official letterhead and submitted to the Inspector-General of Police.
According to the prosecution, the petition was directed against one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara, with the alleged intention of using the authority of law enforcement to cause harm or inconvenience to the individual.
The offence is said to fall under provisions of the Penal Code Law relating to false information.
As the case progresses, attention will remain on how Turaki responds to the charge and the broader implications for his political standing.
For now, the lifting of the arrest warrant represents a temporary relief, while the legal process continues to unfold.
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