An Abuja High Court on Wednesday vacated a bench warrant it issued on March 26 for the arrest of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.
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Justice Peter Kekemeke vacated the arrest warrant while ruling on an oral application by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche SAN, following his (Turaki’s) appearance in court.
When the case was called, Uche apologised to the court for his absence on the last date.
Uche, who claimed to be out of the country, said he returned earlier today and headed straight to the court.
He also apologised on behalf of his client, who he said is a senior advocate and has the highest regards for the court.
He said Turaki’s absence on the last date was not intentional and deliberate, adding that he never intended to disrespect the court.
Uche said to show good faith, he would withdraw the motion on notice filed by his client for a stay of execution of the arrest warrant.
He added that Turaki was also ready to take his plea to a charge pending against him.
Responding, the lawyer to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he was not opposed to Uche’s applications.
Rabiu noted that the essence of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to appear in court.
He added that since he has attended court, the purpose of the order for his arrest has been met.
“Since he (Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today.”
Ruling, Justice Kekemeke noted that the defendant attended the court on his own before the arrest warrant could be executed.
The judge also noted that his lawyer has apologised for his absence, even though the reason why he was absent was not clear from what Uche said.
He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest warrant.
Justice Kekemeke said since the case was scheduled for Wednesday for the hearing of the motion on notice filed by the defendant, it was inappropriate to proceed with the defendant’s arraignment.
The judge also struck out a motion on notice filed by Turaki, in which he had sought the stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it and Rabiu did not object.
Justice Kekemeke then adjourned until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge, marked CR/647/2026, brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Justice Kekemeke had, on March 26, issued the arrest warrant after Turaki failed to attend court for the purpose of his being arraigned on the one criminal charge in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police. (NAN)
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