An Abuja High Court on Thursday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Tanimu Turaki (SAN), over his failure to appear for arraignment.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the order after Turaki did not attend court despite being duly served with the charge and a hearing notice.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had charged Turaki with allegedly providing false information to the police.
ALSO READ PDP factions ‘break the ice’, opt for reconciliation
When the matter was called, prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, informed the court that the day’s proceedings were scheduled for the defendant to take his plea. He, however, noted that Turaki was absent in spite of proper service.
Rabiu invoked Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, urging the court to issue a bench warrant to compel the defendant’s appearance for arraignment.
He also opposed a motion filed by defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (SAN), seeking to quash the charge, arguing that such a challenge could only be entertained after the defendant had taken his plea.
In response, Ibrahim urged the court to grant him five days to file written addresses, maintaining that his client’s presence was not required until the motion was determined.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that Turaki’s absence, despite confirmed service of court processes, was unjustified. He noted that the defence did not dispute service but failed to provide any reason for the defendant’s non-appearance.
The judge ruled that under Section 396(2) of the ACJA, where a defendant is aware of a pending charge but fails to appear, the appropriate order is the issuance of a bench warrant to secure their presence.
He further held that the motion to quash the charge was premature and could only be considered after the defendant’s plea had been taken.
Consequently, the court ordered the issuance of a bench warrant to compel Turaki’s appearance.
The matter was adjourned until April 22 for arraignment.
