Abuja, Nigeria — A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, vacated an earlier arrest warrant issued against the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, after he appeared before the court.
The presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, set aside the bench warrant following an oral request by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche. The arrest order had been issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, after Turaki failed to attend his scheduled arraignment over a one-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force under the authority of the Inspector General of Police.
During proceedings, Uche apologised for his absence at the earlier hearing, explaining that he had travelled outside Nigeria and returned on the same day before heading directly to court. He also apologised on behalf of Turaki, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stating that his client respects the court and did not deliberately ignore the previous sitting.
“He holds the court in the highest regard and his absence on the last date was not intentional and deliberate,” Uche told the court.
The defence lawyer added that he intended to withdraw a motion previously filed seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant. He further informed the court that his client was ready to enter his plea on the charge.
Counsel to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he had no objection, noting that the purpose of the arrest warrant was to compel Turaki’s attendance. “Since he is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today,” Rabiu said.
Justice Kekemeke observed that Turaki appeared voluntarily before the warrant could be enforced. Although the judge said the explanation for the earlier absence was not entirely satisfactory, the court exercised its discretion in the defendant’s favour and vacated the warrant.
However, the court declined to proceed with the arraignment, explaining that the day’s proceedings were originally scheduled to hear the defence motion seeking a stay of execution. Following the defence request to withdraw the motion and the absence of objection from the prosecution, the court struck out the application.
Okay News reports that the judge subsequently adjourned the matter to Tuesday, April 22, 2026, for Turaki’s arraignment.
The charge, marked CR/647/2026, was filed by the police, accusing Turaki of providing false information to authorities. The court had earlier directed security agencies to arrest and present him after he failed to attend the previous sitting. With his appearance and withdrawal of the application challenging the warrant, the court held that the purpose of the arrest order had been fulfilled.
