A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday set aside the arrest warrant earlier issued against a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki.
The presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, vacated the bench warrant following Turaki’s appearance in court and an oral application by his counsel, Chris Uche, seeking its withdrawal.
The warrant had been issued on March 26 after the defendant failed to appear for his arraignment on a one-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police.
At the resumed hearing, Uche apologised to the court for his absence at the previous sitting, attributing it to an overseas engagement, and also tendered apologies on behalf of his client, noting that the absence was not deliberate.
He further informed the court of his intention to withdraw a motion previously filed to challenge the arrest warrant, adding that the defendant was ready to take his plea.
Counsel to the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, raised no objection to the application, stating that the purpose of the warrant had been achieved with the defendant’s appearance in court.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke observed that although the explanation for the earlier absence was not entirely satisfactory, the court would exercise its discretion in favour of the defendant, having appeared voluntarily.
The court subsequently struck out the defence application following its withdrawal and adjourned the matter till April 22 for arraignment.
Turaki is facing a charge bordering on allegedly providing false information to the authorities, as contained in suit number CR/647/2026.
