Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — A High Court in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory has ordered the arrest of a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, after he failed to appear in court for arraignment in a criminal case filed by police authorities.
The order was issued on Thursday by Justice U.P. Kekemeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The judge ruled that the defendant had no valid reason for his absence and approved the request for a bench warrant to compel his appearance.
Kabiru Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs during the administration of former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, is facing prosecution by the Inspector-General of Police of Nigeria. He is accused of providing false information to the police in a petition submitted in October 2022.
The case had previously been scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, but proceedings could not move forward because Turaki did not attend court, despite an earlier directive ordering him to appear. During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution asked the court to issue a bench warrant due to the continued absence of the defendant.
Counsel for the defence told the court that Turaki did not attend because a petition had been submitted to the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge. The defence argued that the request was based on a lack of confidence in the current court.
Justice Kekemeke ruled that filing such a petition does not automatically suspend criminal proceedings unless the Chief Judge specifically directs otherwise. The judge therefore granted the prosecution’s application and ordered that Turaki be arrested and brought before the court for arraignment.
Okay News reports that the decision means law enforcement authorities are expected to take steps to produce the defendant in court at the next sitting. The matter was subsequently adjourned for further proceedings.
The case highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s opposition political party and underscores the legal consequences of failing to comply with court orders. Observers say the next phase of the trial will determine whether the charges proceed to full hearing once the defendant is presented before the court.
