Court issues bench warrant for PDP factional chairman Tanimu Turaki

An Abuja High Court on Thursday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Tanimu Turaki, factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his failure to appear for arraignment.

Justice Peter Kekemeke made the order after the defendant did not attend court despite being served with the charge and a hearing notice.

Turaki is facing a charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police alleging that he provided false information to the police.

At the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, told the court that the matter was scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He noted that Turaki’s absence was without justification, despite proper service of court processes.

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Rabiu urged the court to invoke Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which empowers the court to issue a bench warrant where a defendant, aware of a pending charge, fails to appear.

Defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), had argued that a motion challenging the validity of the charge had been filed and should be determined before arraignment. He sought additional time to file written addresses in support of the application.

However, the court held that the application to quash the charge was premature and could only be entertained after the defendant had taken his plea.

Justice Kekemeke ruled that the defendant’s failure to attend court without explanation warranted the issuance of a bench warrant to compel his appearance.

The matter was adjourned to April 22 for arraignment.