By Ahmed Isa

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Kabiru Turaki (SAN), the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for failing to appear in court for his arraignment in a criminal case filed by the police.

Justice U.P. Kekemeke, presiding over the case, ruled that Turaki had no valid reason for his absence and directed that he be taken into custody.

Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs under President Goodluck Jonathan, faces a one-count charge brought by the Inspector-General of Police. The charge alleges that he provided false information in a petition submitted to the police in October 2022.

The case was originally scheduled for arraignment on January 28 but was stalled when Turaki failed to appear, despite an earlier court order mandating his presence.

During Thursday’s proceedings, the prosecution requested the issuance of a bench warrant, citing the defendant’s failure to honor the court summons.

In response, Turaki’s legal team explained that his absence was due to a petition submitted to the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, seeking the transfer of the case to another judge over concerns about impartiality.

Justice Kekemeke, however, clarified that filing such a petition does not automatically suspend criminal proceedings unless explicitly directed by the Chief Judge. He consequently granted the prosecution’s request and ordered Turaki’s arrest for immediate production before the court.

The case has been adjourned for further proceedings.