Court Orders Arrest of PDP Factional Chairman Kabiru Turaki

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the arrest of Kabiru Turaki, a factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over his failure to appear in court for a criminal case initiated by the police.

The order was issued on Thursday by Justice U.P. Kekemeke, who ruled that Turaki had no valid excuse for his absence. The case stems from a charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), accusing the former minister of providing false information in a petition submitted in October 2022.

The court’s decision marks a significant step in the legal proceedings, as it authorises law enforcement agencies to bring the defendant before the court to face the allegations against him.

Absence in Court Triggers Bench Warrant

The issue of Turaki’s non-appearance had surfaced earlier in the proceedings. On January 28, when he was expected to be arraigned, the hearing could not go ahead because he was not present in court.

During that session, the prosecution informed the court that Turaki had been duly summoned and was expected to appear, prompting a request for a bench warrant to compel his attendance.

In response, his defence counsel argued that the absence was linked to a formal request made to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, seeking the transfer of the case to another judge. The lawyer also disclosed that a petition had been submitted, expressing concerns about confidence in the court handling the matter.

However, the trial judge at the time, Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya, maintained that such a petition does not automatically halt criminal proceedings unless explicitly directed by the Chief Judge. The case was subsequently adjourned to March 5.

Legal Dispute Continues Amid Political Tensions

The latest arrest order underscores the court’s insistence on proceeding with the case despite attempts to challenge the judicial process. It also highlights the legal risks facing Turaki as the matter moves forward.

Beyond the courtroom, the development adds another layer to the ongoing internal crisis within the PDP, where rival factions continue to contest leadership and political direction ahead of future elections.

With the bench warrant now in place, attention will shift to how quickly law enforcement agencies act on the order and whether Turaki will appear in court to respond to the charges. The outcome of the case could have broader implications, both legally and politically, as tensions within the opposition party persist.

Also read: Turaki-Led PDP Faction Rejects Any Support for Tinubu’s Re-Election Bid

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