A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki following his absence in court for arraignment on a criminal charge.
The order was issued on Thursday by Justice Peter Kekemeke after the defendant failed to appear despite reportedly being served with both the charge and a hearing notice.
Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and factional figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is facing a one-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of providing misleading information to law enforcement authorities.
According to the prosecution, the case stems from a petition allegedly submitted by Turaki on October 5, 2022, in which he accused one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara.
Authorities claim the information contained in the petition was false and intended to trigger police action against the individual.
The charge accuses him of giving false information “with intent to use the lawful power of the Inspector-General of Police to the injury or annoyance” of the complainant.
During proceedings, prosecuting counsel Usman Rabiu told the court that the matter was slated for the defendant to take his plea.
He emphasized that Turaki had been duly notified of the hearing but failed to attend.
Relying on provisions of Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the prosecution asked the court to issue a bench warrant to ensure the defendant is brought before the court.
Counsel to the defence, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), opposed the move, arguing that a motion challenging the validity of the charge had already been filed and should be decided before any arraignment takes place.
The court, however, dismissed the defence’s position, holding that the defendant’s presence is required before any such application can be considered.
Justice Kekemeke noted that there was no justification for Turaki’s absence, especially as his counsel did not deny that he had been served.
“A defendant who is aware of a pending charge but fails to appear without reason leaves the court with no option but to compel attendance,” the judge stated.
The court subsequently issued a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest and adjourned the case until April 22, 2026, for his arraignment.
The ruling marks a significant development in the legal proceedings, as authorities move to ensure the defendant answers to the allegations in court.
