A High Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Tanimu Turaki, the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, after he failed to appear for his arraignment.
Presiding judge, Peter Kekemeke, ruled that the court could not proceed in the defendant’s absence, especially as records confirmed he had been properly notified of the hearing.
Turaki is facing charges filed by the Inspector-General of Police, accusing him of providing false information to law enforcement authorities.
During the proceedings, prosecuting counsel Usman Rabiu told the court that the matter was fixed for plea-taking, but the defendant was nowhere to be found despite being served with both the charge and a hearing notice.
He urged the court to invoke the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which allows for the issuance of an arrest warrant when a defendant deliberately avoids court appearance.
The defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, opposed the move, arguing that a pending application seeking to dismiss the charges should be heard first. He also requested additional time to file supporting arguments.
However, Justice Kekemeke dismissed the request, stating that the defendant’s absence without explanation undermined the judicial process. He stressed that any challenge to the charges could only be entertained after the defendant had appeared in court and entered a plea.
Relying on the relevant provisions of the law, the judge ordered that Turaki be arrested and brought before the court to answer the allegations against him.
The case has been adjourned until April 22, 2026, for arraignment.
The development adds a fresh twist to the ongoing leadership tensions within the PDP, as legal battles continue to shape the party’s internal dynamics ahead of future elections.
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