Abuja Court vacates arrest warrant against PDP factional chairman Kabiru Turaki

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday vacated a bench warrant issued on March 26 for the arrest of the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki.

Justice Peter Kekemeke made the ruling following an oral application by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche, after the chairman personally appeared in court.

Uche apologised for Turaki’s absence at the previous hearing, explaining that he had been out of the country but returned to Abuja earlier on Wednesday. He also tendered an apology on behalf of his client, stressing that Turaki holds the court in the highest regard and that his absence was not deliberate.

To demonstrate good faith, Uche withdrew a motion on notice filed by Turaki seeking a stay of execution of the arrest warrant. He also confirmed that Turaki was prepared to take his plea on the pending charge.

The prosecution, represented by Usman Rabiu, raised no objection, noting that the primary purpose of the arrest warrant—to secure the defendant’s appearance—had been fulfilled.

Justice Kekemeke acknowledged that Turaki appeared in court voluntarily before the warrant could be executed and accepted the apology, vacating the arrest order. The judge also struck out Turaki’s motion for a stay of execution following its withdrawal.

The court adjourned the case until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge, CR/647/2026, filed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The charge relates to allegations of giving false information to the police.

The initial arrest warrant was issued on March 26 after Turaki failed to attend his scheduled arraignment.