Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has vacated the bench warrant earlier issued for the arrest of Kabiru Turaki, the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Gatekeepers News reports that the court had issued the warrant on March 26 after Turaki failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment. However, the judge set aside the order on Wednesday following Turaki’s appearance in court and an oral application by his counsel, Chris Uche.
When the case was called, Uche apologised to the court for his absence at the previous sitting, explaining that he had been out of the country but returned earlier on Wednesday and came directly to court. He also apologised on behalf of his client, noting that Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, holds the court in high regard.
According to Uche, Turaki’s earlier absence was neither intentional nor meant to disrespect the court. To demonstrate good faith, he said he would withdraw the motion on notice previously filed by his client seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant. He added that Turaki was prepared to take his plea in the charge filed against him.
Counsel to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he did not oppose the defence applications. Rabiu explained that the purpose of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant’s appearance in court, adding that since Turaki had now appeared, the objective of the order had been achieved.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke observed that although Turaki’s lawyer had apologised, the exact reason for his earlier absence was not clearly stated. Nevertheless, the court decided to pardon the defendant and vacated the arrest warrant.
The judge also struck out the motion on notice filed by Turaki seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it and the prosecution raised no objection.
Justice Kekemeke further stated that since the matter had been scheduled for hearing of the motion on notice, it would be inappropriate to proceed with the defendant’s arraignment at that stage. The case was subsequently adjourned to April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge brought against him by the Nigeria Police Force through the Inspector-General of Police.
Turaki is accused, among other allegations, of providing false information to the police.
