By Ghazali Ibrahim
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the arrest of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his failure to appear in court.
The arrest warrant was issued on Thursday by Justice Peter Kekemeke after Turaki did not show up for his arraignment in a criminal case filed by the police.
According to court proceedings, Turaki is facing a one-count charge bordering on allegedly providing false information to the police in a petition submitted in October 2022.
Prosecuting counsel told the court that the defendant had been duly served with the charge and notified of the hearing date but failed to attend without justification.
In response, the court held that his absence violated legal procedure and granted the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant to compel his appearance.
The judge further ruled that any application by the defence to challenge the charge could only be considered after the defendant appears in court and takes his plea.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for arraignment, as authorities move to enforce the court order.
The development adds another layer to the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, where factions have continued to contest control of the party’s structure.
