PDP Factional Chairman, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, Faces Arrest Warrant Over Alleged False Information
A significant legal development has emerged in Nigeria’s political landscape, with the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) issuing a bench warrant for the arrest of Kabiru Turaki, SAN. Turaki, who holds the position of a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now a fugitive from justice, failing to appear in court to face charges.
The order for his apprehension was made by Justice Peter Kekemeke. The crux of the legal proceedings revolves around a one-count charge brought forward by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). This charge alleges that Turaki, a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs between 2013 and 2015, provided false information to the police.
The legal document, identified by the case number FCT/HC/CR/647/25, was filed on November 15, 2025. The specific allegation detailed in the charge states: “That you, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, (SAN), ‘m’, No. 37 T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja, on or about October 5, 2022, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police via a petition dated October 5, 2022.” This act, according to the prosecution, constitutes an offence punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code Law.
The pursuit of Turaki’s arrest gained momentum when the police prosecutor, Usman Rabiu, formally requested the court to invoke Section 143 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. This section empowers the court to order the arrest of a defendant who repeatedly fails to present themselves before the court.
A Case of Judicial Transfer and Defendant’s Absence
The legal battle involving Kabiru Turaki has seen a shift in judicial oversight. The matter was initially assigned to Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya. However, it was subsequently transferred to Justice Kekemeke. This transfer was prompted by a petition submitted by the defendant himself to the Chief Judge of the High Court. In his petition, Turaki expressed a perceived lack of confidence in the impartial handling of his case by Justice Ogbonnaya.
It is noteworthy that Justice Ogbonnaya had, prior to relinquishing the case, declined to issue an arrest warrant for Turaki. This decision marked a different approach compared to the current stance.
During the resumed proceedings on Thursday, the court, under Justice Kekemeke, voiced its significant frustration with the defendant’s persistent absence. The judge emphasized that there was no justifiable reason for Turaki’s failure to appear in court, especially considering he had been duly served with the hearing notice. This lack of appearance, the court concluded, left it with no alternative but to order his arrest and subsequent production in court for the arraignment process to commence.
Implications of the Arrest Warrant
The issuance of a bench warrant for a prominent political figure like Kabiru Turaki, SAN, carries considerable weight. It signals a determined effort by the judiciary to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law. The charges of providing false information, if proven, could have serious ramifications for Turaki’s legal standing and political career.
The situation also highlights the complexities within Nigeria’s political parties, as evidenced by Turaki’s role as a “factional National Chairman.” Such internal divisions can often lead to legal disputes and public scrutiny. The legal process will now focus on apprehending Turaki and bringing him before the court to formally answer the charges leveled against him. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched, both within legal circles and among the wider Nigerian public.
