“I’ve Appealed” — Factional PDP Chairman Turaki Reacts After Court Orders His Arrest

The factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has formally challenged a bench warrant issued for his arrest by an Abuja High Court.

The legal move comes after Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court ordered his apprehension following his absence from a scheduled arraignment on Thursday.

Turaki, through his legal team, has filed a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution to halt the enforcement of the warrant.

The criminal case, marked FCT/HC/CR/647/25, stems from a one-count charge brought against the former minister by the Inspector-General of Police. He is accused of allegedly providing false information to the police in a petition he authored in 2022.

During the proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, pushed for the arrest order, arguing that the defendant had repeatedly failed to appear in court despite being served with the necessary legal processes.

Explaining the circumstances behind his absence, Turaki’s Principal Private Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stated that the senior lawyer was unable to attend the session due to an emergency medical visit.

He further clarified that his legal team had already submitted a motion to quash the charge, a procedure they believed did not necessitate his physical presence at that stage.

“The warrant was granted because of his absence in court today when the case was called. The petition was written in 2022, and due to his sudden hospital visitation, he was unable to attend.

Additionally, his lawyers had filed an application seeking to quash the charge, which ordinarily would not require his presence,” the statement clarified.

Turaki also hinted that while the legal battle is a personal matter from 2022, there might be unseen hands at play.

“While it needs emphasizing that this matter is completely unrelated to the Peoples Democratic Party, external political influence cannot be completely ruled out,” he noted.

The case was previously handled by Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya but was transferred to Justice Kekemeke after Turaki expressed a lack of confidence in the initial handling of the matter and petitioned the Chief Judge.

Following the issuance of the warrant, Justice Kekemeke adjourned the case until April 22, 2026, for the formal arraignment.