Court Issues Arrest Warrant for PDP's Turaki

On Thursday, a high court in Maitama, Federal Capital Territory, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, the factional chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The warrant was issued after Turaki failed to attend court for his arraignment on criminal charges brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The prosecuting lawyer, Usman Rabiu Busi, noted Turaki's absence despite being served with a hearing notice. The court, presided over by Justice Peter Kekemek, was urged by the prosecution to invoke Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to issue the arrest warrant.

Turaki's defense lawyer, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, filed a motion seeking to quash the charges, arguing that the charges were invalid and that Turaki's presence was not required until the motion was determined. However, the judge ruled that Turaki failed to provide a valid reason for his absence, leading to the issuance of the bench warrant.