An Abuja High Court has vacated an arrest warrant previously issued against Kabiru Turaki, the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following his voluntary appearance before the bench. Justice Peter Kekemeke delivered the ruling on Wednesday, formally removing the court order and allowing a pending criminal case against the party leader to progress to the arraignment stage.
The arrest warrant was initially issued on March 26 to compel the defendant’s attendance on a one-count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police. During Wednesday’s session, Turaki’s counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, formally apologized for the delay. Uche informed the court that he had been traveling abroad and returned to Nigeria earlier in the day. He emphasized that his client, also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, holds the judiciary in high regard and that the earlier missed court date was neither deliberate nor intended to obstruct proceedings.
Demonstrating compliance with judicial directives, the defense withdrew a motion seeking a stay of execution on the warrant. The prosecution, represented by Usman Rabiu, raised no objections. Rabiu acknowledged that the order’s primary purpose—to secure the defendant’s physical presence—had already been met. He confirmed that the state was prepared to proceed with the arraignment immediately.
Justice Kekemeke reviewed the submissions and discharged the arrest warrant. While noting that the exact circumstances surrounding the initial absence were not fully detailed, the judge accepted the voluntary attendance and the formal apology. The court subsequently struck out the application for a stay of execution following its formal withdrawal.
The judge declined to proceed with immediate scheduling, noting that the matter had originally been listed to hear the now-withdrawn motion. Justice Kekemeke adjourned proceedings until April 22, establishing a firm date for Turaki’s arraignment and entry of plea on case file CR/647/2026. The charge centers on allegations that the politician provided false information to law enforcement authorities. The ruling ensures the criminal process will advance within standard judicial timelines, with both legal teams expected to present their positions during the next hearing.
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