By Seyi Odewale
Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued a bench warrant for the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki.
The warrant was issued after Turaki failed to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has charged Turaki with providing false information to law enforcement authorities.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Usman Rabiu stated that the purpose of the day’s hearing was for Turaki to enter a plea.
Rabiu highlighted that despite being properly served with both the charge and the court’s hearing notice, the defendant was absent. He cited Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, urging the court to issue a warrant to compel Turaki’s appearance.
The prosecution also challenged the defence counsel, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, for referring to a motion seeking to quash the charge. Rabiu argued that such a challenge could only be raised after the defendant had entered a plea.
Ibrahim countered, requesting an additional five days to file written submissions, arguing that the defendant need not appear until the motion was decided.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke emphasised that Turaki, being aware of the proceedings and duly served, acted improperly by failing to attend court. The judge noted that the defence did not dispute the service of the notice but failed to justify the defendant’s absence.
“By the provision of Section 396(2) of the ACJA 2015, where a defendant who is aware that a charge is pending against him chooses to stay away, the proper order to be made is a bench warrant to ensure the defendant’s production to answer the charge,” the judge stated.
Justice Kekemeke further held that the motion to quash the charge was premature and could only be heard after a plea had been entered. Consequently, he ordered the issuance of a bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest and adjourned the case until April 22 for arraignment.
