Court Cancels Turaki’s Arrest Warrant, Fixes April 22 for Arraignment

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on Wednesday withdrew the arrest warrant earlier issued against Kabiru Turaki after he appeared before the court in connection with a criminal charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force.

The decision was made by Justice Peter Kekemeke following an oral request by Turaki’s lawyer, who asked the court to set aside the earlier order. The warrant had been issued on March 26 when the defendant failed to attend his scheduled arraignment over an allegation of giving false information to authorities.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel explained that his absence at the previous sitting was due to travel outside the country, adding that he returned shortly before coming to court. He also informed the court that his client did not intend to ignore the court and was ready to face the charge.

To further show readiness, the defence withdrew an earlier application seeking to stop the enforcement of the arrest order. The prosecution did not oppose this request, stating that the aim of the warrant had already been achieved since the defendant was now present in court.

In his ruling, the judge noted that although the explanation for the earlier absence was not fully convincing, the court would allow the request since the defendant appeared voluntarily before the warrant could be carried out. The court then set aside the arrest order.

However, the judge did not proceed with the arraignment on the same day, explaining that the case had initially been fixed to hear the motion filed by the defence. After that application was withdrawn and struck out, the matter was adjourned.

The court fixed April 22, 2026, for Turaki to be formally arraigned on the charge.