A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Tanimu Turaki, SAN.
Justice Peter Kekemeke ordered the arrest following Turaki’s failure to appear in court for his arraignment.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) had filed a one-count criminal charge against him, alleging that he provided false information to the police.
When the matter came up, prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, informed the court that the case was slated for the defendant to take his plea.
Rabiu noted that Turaki was absent despite being duly served with the charge and hearing notice, and urged the court to invoke Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, to compel his appearance.
He also challenged the defence counsel’s reference to a motion to quash the charge, arguing that such a motion could only be entertained after the defendant’s plea had been taken.
In response, defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, requested five days to file written addresses, maintaining that Turaki’s presence was not required until the motion was determined.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that the defendant’s absence was unjustified, having been properly served.
He emphasised that under Section 396(2) of the ACJA, a defendant who is aware of a pending charge but fails to appear in court can be compelled through a bench warrant.
The judge further ruled that the motion to quash was premature and could not be considered until after the defendant had entered his plea.
He subsequently ordered the issuance of a bench warrant to compel Turaki’s attendance and adjourned the matter to April 22 for arraignment
