Court Vacates Arrest Warrant Against PDP's Turaki

On Wednesday, an Abuja High Court vacated the bench warrant issued against Turaki, the factional chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The warrant was set aside by Justice Peter Kekemek, who ruled on an oral application made by Turaki's counsel, Chris Uche, SAN.

Uche apologized for Turaki's absence during a previous court session, explaining that the defendant holds the court in high regard and did not intend any disrespect. The court acknowledged Uche's withdrawal of a motion to stay the execution of the arrest warrant, with the prosecution, represented by Usman Rabiu, not objecting to the defense's application.

Justice Kekemek noted that the primary purpose of the arrest warrant was to compel Turaki's appearance in court, which he did voluntarily. Consequently, the court vacated the arrest warrant but deemed it inappropriate to proceed with Turaki's arraignment, which is now scheduled for April 22, on charges filed by the Inspector General of Police alleging that Turaki provided false information to the police.