ABUJA: A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of a factional National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), after he failed to appear before the court for arraignment in a criminal case instituted by the Nigeria Police Force.
The order was issued on Thursday by the presiding judge, Justice U. P. Kekemeke, who ruled that the defendant had no valid reason for failing to honour the court’s summons and must be brought before the court to face the charges against him.
Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is facing prosecution over allegations that he provided false information to the police in a petition written in October 2022.
Court records show that the matter had earlier been scheduled for arraignment on January 28, 2026. However, the proceedings could not go ahead after Turaki failed to appear in court despite a previous directive ordering him to do so.
At Thursday’s sitting, the prosecution counsel urged the court to issue a bench warrant against the former minister, arguing that the defendant had deliberately ignored the court’s directive and was attempting to delay the legal process.
According to the prosecution, the charge against Turaki relates to a petition he allegedly submitted to law enforcement authorities, which investigators later determined contained false information.
The offence, if proven, could attract legal consequences under Nigeria’s criminal laws relating to the provision of misleading information to law enforcement agencies.
Responding to the prosecution’s request, counsel for the defendant told the court that Turaki’s absence was not intentional. The lawyer explained that the defendant had written a formal petition to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge.
The defence argued that the request for reassignment was based on what they described as a lack of confidence in the court currently handling the matter.
However, Justice Kekemeke rejected the explanation, stating that the mere filing of a petition against a judge does not automatically suspend court proceedings unless the Chief Judge issues a formal directive ordering the transfer of the case.
The judge emphasised that parties involved in criminal proceedings must continue to respect court processes and appear when required until a competent authority orders otherwise.
Following the arguments presented by both parties, Justice Kekemeke granted the prosecution’s request and ordered the immediate arrest of Turaki.
The judge directed relevant law enforcement agencies to apprehend the defendant and produce him before the court for arraignment on the pending criminal charge.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to a later date to allow the authorities to execute the arrest order and proceed with the arraignment.
Turaki is a prominent Nigerian lawyer and politician who has played significant roles within the Peoples Democratic Party. He served as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan between 2013 and 2015.
Over the years, he has remained influential in national politics and has been involved in several party activities and leadership contests within the PDP.
His emergence as a factional leader within the party reflects the lingering internal divisions that have affected the opposition party since its loss of federal power in 2015.
The latest court development comes amid ongoing leadership tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party, where multiple factions have been contesting control of party structures and leadership positions.
These disputes have frequently spilled into the courts, with different factions seeking judicial interpretations of party constitutions and leadership claims.
Political observers say the legal battles within the PDP could have broader implications as Nigeria gradually moves toward the next general election cycle.
Analysts warn that continued internal disputes could weaken the party’s ability to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
Legal experts note that the issuance of a bench warrant signifies the seriousness with which courts treat failure to comply with judicial summons.
They explain that when a defendant repeatedly fails to appear in court without sufficient justification, the court has the authority to compel attendance through arrest.
Such measures are intended to ensure that the judicial process is not obstructed and that cases proceed without unnecessary delay.
With the bench warrant now in effect, law enforcement authorities are expected to take steps to locate and arrest Turaki so he can be formally arraigned before the court.
Once produced in court, the defendant will be required to enter a plea to the charge brought against him, after which the trial process will proceed in accordance with Nigeria’s criminal justice procedures.
The case is expected to attract significant public and political attention given Turaki’s prominence within the opposition party and the broader implications for ongoing political developments in the country.
