BREAKING: Court Orders Arrest of PDP Factional Chairman

Kabiru Turaki

BREAKING: Court Orders Arrest of PDP Factional Chairman

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Thursday ordered the arrest of a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Turaki, for failing to appear before the court in an ongoing criminal proceeding.

The order was issued by Justice U.P. Kekemeke while presiding over a case filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Justice Kekemeke, in a brief ruling, held that the defendant had no reasonable justification for his absence in court, describing his failure to appear as a disregard for judicial authority. The judge subsequently directed law enforcement agencies to arrest Turaki and produce him before the court at the next adjourned date.

The prosecution, led by representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, had earlier informed the court that the defendant was duly served with hearing notices but failed to honour the summons. Counsel to the prosecution urged the court to take necessary steps to compel his attendance, arguing that the matter could not proceed in his absence.

Although details of the charges against Turaki were not fully disclosed during Thursday’s proceedings, the case is believed to be part of ongoing legal actions involving internal disputes within the PDP and related allegations brought before the court by the police authorities.

No legal representative appeared in court on behalf of the defendant, further strengthening the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.

Legal analysts say the court’s decision underscores the judiciary’s insistence on compliance with due process, regardless of political status or affiliation. They note that the issuance of an arrest warrant is a lawful mechanism to ensure that defendants submit to the authority of the court and that proceedings are not unduly delayed.

The development adds a new dimension to the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP, which has seen multiple factions laying claim to key national positions in recent months.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Turaki or his associates for comments were unsuccessful.

The case was adjourned to a later date, pending the arrest and subsequent appearance of the defendant in court.