Turaki Appeals Bench Warrant Over Court Absence

Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, the factional chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), confirmed that an appeal has been filed against a bench warrant issued for his arrest by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. This warrant was a result of Turaki's failure to appear in court for scheduled hearings related to charges of allegedly providing false information to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in 2022.

Turaki's absence was explained by his legal team as due to a sudden hospital visit. His lawyers have filed an application to quash the charges, asserting that his presence is not ordinarily required.

Additionally, they have requested a stay on the execution of the bench warrant. The case, marked as FCT HC/CR/647/25, was initially overseen by Justice Peter Kekemek but has since been reassigned to Justice K.

N. Ogbonnaya due to a lack of confidence in earlier proceedings.

The prosecutor, Usman Rabiu, has urged the court to compel Turaki's attendance, invoking the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 due to his repeated absences.