An Abuja High Court has withdrawn a bench warrant previously issued for the arrest of factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national chairman, Kabiru Turaki, after he personally appeared before the court and formally apologised through his counsel, Chris Uche.
During proceedings, Uche informed the court that Turaki’s failure to attend the previous sitting was not deliberate. He apologised on his client’s behalf, stressing that the absence was unintentional and reaffirming Turaki’s respect for judicial proceedings.
Uche added that his client was ready to enter a plea on the pending charge and was willing for the matter to proceed without further delay.
The prosecution counsel, Usman Rabiu, did not oppose the application. He noted that the purpose of the bench warrant was solely to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court, and with Turaki now present, the objective had been achieved.
In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Peter Kekemeke acknowledged Turaki’s voluntary appearance before the warrant could be executed. He also took note of the apology and the assurance that the prior absence was not intentional.
The court consequently vacated the bench warrant and ordered proceedings to continue.
With the warrant lifted, the court is expected to proceed with Turaki’s arraignment on the pending charge at the next adjourned date, as both defence and prosecution prepare for the substantive phase of the case.
