A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama has vacated the bench warrant earlier issued for the arrest of factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.
Justice Peter Kekemeke set aside the March 26 arrest order on Wednesday after Turaki appeared before the court, following an oral application by his counsel, Chris Uche (SAN).
At the resumed hearing, Uche apologised for his absence at the previous sitting, explaining that he had been out of the country but returned earlier in the day and proceeded directly to court. He also conveyed his client’s apology, stressing that Turaki holds the court in high regard and did not deliberately disregard its authority.
The defence counsel further informed the court of his intention to withdraw a motion seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant, noting that his client was prepared to take his plea in the pending charge.
Counsel to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, did not oppose the application.
He stated that the objective of the arrest warrant had been achieved, as it was meant to compel the defendant’s appearance in court.
“Since he is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned,” Rabiu said.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke observed that the defendant had presented himself before the warrant could be enforced and acknowledged the apology tendered by his lawyer.
The judge consequently pardoned Turaki and vacated the arrest warrant.
However, the court declined to proceed with the arraignment, noting that the matter had been scheduled for hearing of pending applications. The judge also struck out the motion for stay of execution after it was formally withdrawn without objection from the prosecution.
The case was adjourned to April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
Turaki is accused of providing false information to the police in a petition dated October 5, 2022, allegedly intended to cause harm or annoyance to one Saidi Mohammed Mainasara—an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code.