An Abuja High Court on Wednesday vacated the bench warrant earlier issued for the arrest of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, after he appeared before the court.
Justice Peter Kekemeke set aside the arrest order, which had been issued on March 26, while ruling on an oral application made by Turaki’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN).
When the matter was called, Uche apologised to the court for his absence during the previous sitting, explaining that he had been out of the country.
He told the court that he returned earlier in the day and proceeded directly to the courtroom.
The senior advocate also apologised on behalf of his client, stating that Turaki holds the court in high regard and had no intention of disrespecting it.
He said the defendant’s absence at the last hearing was “not intentional and deliberate.”
To demonstrate good faith, Uche informed the court that he would withdraw the motion on notice earlier filed by Turaki seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant.
He also stated that Turaki was ready to take his plea on the charge pending against him.
Responding, counsel to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he had no objection to the defence application.
Rabiu explained that the primary purpose of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to appear before the court.
“Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today,” he said.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke noted that the defendant had appeared in court voluntarily before the arrest warrant could be executed.
The judge also acknowledged the apology offered by Turaki’s counsel and decided to pardon the defendant. Consequently, he vacated the arrest warrant.
However, the court held that it would be inappropriate to proceed with Turaki’s arraignment because the matter had originally been scheduled for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the defendant.
Justice Kekemeke also struck out the motion seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant after the defence applied to withdraw it and the prosecution did not object.
The court subsequently adjourned the case until 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, an allegation contained in charge number CR/647/2026.
