Court Vacates Warrant Of Arrest Order Against Turaki, PDP Factional Leader

By Akinwale Kasali 

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, vacated the arrest warrant it ordered against the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Taminu Saraki, SAN.

The Court had issued a bench warrant against Turaki on March 26, 2026. But Justice Peter Kekemeke vacated the order while ruling on an oral application by Turaki’s lawyer, Chris Uche, following his (Turaki’s) appearance in court.

Uche had apologized for his absence at the last hearing, claiming to have traveled out of the country, stressing that 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 regards for the Court.

Responding,  lawyer for the prosecution, Usman Rabiu, said he was not opposed to Uche’s applications.

Rabiu noted that the essence of the arrest warrant was to compel the defendant to appear in court.

He added that since he has attended Court, the purpose of the order for his arrest has been met.

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

Justice 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 has apologised for his absence, even though the reason why he was absent was not clear from what Uche said.

He, however, elected to pardon the defendant and proceeded to vacate the arrest 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 Judge, however, adjourned the hearing until April 22 for Turaki’s arraignment on a one-count charge, marked CR/647/2026, brought against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Justice Kekemeke had, on March 26, issued the arrest warrant after Turaki failed to attend Court for the purpose of his being arraigned on the one criminal charge in which he is accused of, among others, giving false information to the police.