A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the arrest of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after he failed to appear in court.
Justice Peter Kekemeke issued a bench warrant on Thursday, directing security agencies to arrest Turaki and bring him before the court for arraignment.
The order followed an application by the police, who accused Turaki of repeatedly ignoring court summons in a case filed against him.
According to the charge, the former minister is accused of giving false information to the Inspector-General of Police in a petition he submitted in 2022.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code.
Prosecutor Usman Rabiu had urged the court to invoke relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to compel Turaki’s appearance, citing his continued absence.
The case was initially before another judge but was later reassigned after Turaki reportedly raised concerns about the handling of the matter.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Kekemeke expressed dissatisfaction with the defendant’s failure to appear, noting that he had been properly served with hearing notices.
The court subsequently ordered his arrest and production in court to face the charge.
Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, is yet to publicly respond to the latest court order.
