A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in Maitama District, Abuja has lifted the bench warrant earlier issued against Kabiru Turaki over his alleged failure to appear in court.
The decision was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Peter Kekemeke after the defendant appeared voluntarily before the court.
The bench warrant was set aside following an oral application by his counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu.
When the case was called, Uche apologised to the court for his absence on the last date, claiming to be out of the country, and noting that he returned earlier 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 regards for the court.
He said Turaki’s absence on the last date was not intentional and deliberate, adding that he never intended to disrespect the court.
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Uche withdrew the motion on notice filed by his client for stay of execution of the arrest warrant in the spirit of reconciliation.
He added that Turaki was also ready to take his plea to a charge pending against him.
In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke noted that the primary purpose of issuing the bench warrant was to ensure the defendant’s presence in court.
He held that since Turaki had appeared on his own without being arrested, and with no objection from the prosecution, there was no need to sustain the warrant.
Justice 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 Turaki, in which he had sought the stay of execution of the arrest warrant after Uche applied to withdraw it and Rabiu did not object.
The court then fixed April 22, 2026, which was the initial date slated for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count criminal charge.
Turaki is facing a charge of allegedly providing false information to the police.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
