Court Lifts Arrest Warrant Against Kabiru Turaki

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has withdrawn the arrest warrant earlier issued against Kabiru Turaki, the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The presiding judge, Peter Kekemeke, set aside the bench warrant after Turaki appeared in court, following an oral application by his counsel, Chris Uche.

The court had initially issued the warrant on March 26 after Turaki failed to attend his arraignment over a one-count charge brought by the Nigeria Police Force under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Uche apologised for his earlier absence, explaining that he had been out of the country and returned just in time to attend the hearing. He also extended an apology on behalf of his client, stressing that Turaki holds the court in high regard and did not deliberately miss the previous session.

“He holds the court in the highest regard and his absence on the last date was not intentional and deliberate,” Uche told the court.

To demonstrate goodwill, the defence indicated its intention to withdraw a previously filed motion seeking to halt enforcement of the arrest warrant, adding that Turaki was ready to enter his plea.

The prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, did not oppose the request, noting that the primary aim of the warrant had been to compel Turaki’s appearance.

“Since he is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today,” Rabiu said.

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke acknowledged that Turaki appeared voluntarily before the warrant could be executed. While noting that the explanation for his earlier absence was not entirely convincing, the judge exercised discretion in his favour and vacated the arrest order.

However, the court declined to proceed with the arraignment, stating that the day’s proceedings were initially scheduled to hear the defence motion. With that application withdrawn and struck out, the judge adjourned the case.

The matter has now been fixed for April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment.

The charge, marked CR/647/2026, accuses Turaki of providing false information to authorities. The court had earlier directed security agencies to arrest and present him after he failed to attend the previous sitting.

With his appearance and the withdrawal of his legal challenge, the court held that the objective of the arrest warrant had been achieved.