The 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, Kabiru Turaki.

Justice Peter Kekemeke vacated the arrest warrant while ruling on an oral application by Mr Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche, following his (Mr Turaki’s) appearance in court.

When the case was called, Mr Uche apologised to the court for his absence on the last date. Mr 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 regard for the court. He said Mr Turaki’s absence on the last date was not intentional and deliberate, adding that he never intended to disrespect the court.

Mr Uche said, in good faith, that he would withdraw the motion on notice filed by his client for a stay of execution of the arrest warrant.

He added that Mr Turaki was also ready to enter a plea to the charge pending against him.

Responding, the prosecutor’s lawyer, Usman Rabiu, said he was not opposed to Mr Uche’s applications. Mr Rabiu noted that the essence of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to appear in court.

He added that, since he has appeared in court, the purpose of the arrest warrant has been met.

“Since he (Mr Turaki) is here, we are not opposed to his being arraigned today,” he said.

Ruling, Mr 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 had apologised for his absence, even though the reason for it was unclear from what Mr Uche said. He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest warrant.

Mr 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 Mr Turaki, in which he sought a stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Mr Uche applied to withdraw it, and Mr Rabiu did not object.

Mr Kekemeke then adjourned until April 22 for Mr Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge, marked CR/647/2026, brought against him by the inspector general of police.

Mr Kekemeke had, on March 26, issued the arrest warrant after Mr Turaki failed to attend court for arraignment on the one-count criminal charge, among others, for which he is accused: giving false information to the police.

(NAN)