Factional PDP Chair Fights Arrest Warrant

PDP Faction Chairman Appeals Bench Warrant, Cites Unjust Order

A prominent figure within a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tanimu Turaki (SAN), has lodged an appeal against a bench warrant issued by the High Court. Turaki contends that the warrant is an unjust order and is urgently seeking its immediate reversal.

In a statement released on Thursday, communicated through his Principal Private Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, Turaki’s camp clarified that the legal proceedings are entirely personal and bear no connection to the Peoples Democratic Party or its ongoing internal matters.

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, located in Maitama, had earlier on Thursday, issued the bench warrant for Turaki’s arrest. This action was prompted by allegations that he provided false information to the police. The information in question was reportedly contained within a petition he submitted in his capacity as a private citizen back in 2022.

The court’s decision to grant the warrant followed Turaki’s non-appearance when the case was scheduled for its hearing.

Turaki’s Principal Private Secretary highlighted that his legal counsel acted swiftly, filing an appeal against the bench warrant, alongside an application requesting a stay of execution for the order.

The statement elaborated on the circumstances, explaining, “The petition in question was authored in 2022, and the case stemming from it was brought before the court today. However, due to a sudden hospital visit, his presence in court was unfortunately not possible. Furthermore, his legal representatives had already submitted an application to quash the charge, a process that typically does not necessitate the personal appearance of the defendant.”

The statement continued, “Upon the issuance of the bench warrant, his legal team immediately filed an appeal and a subsequent application for a stay of execution concerning the aforementioned order.”

It was also emphasized that “While it is crucial to underscore that this matter is entirely separate from the Peoples Democratic Party or any current internal issues within the party, the possibility of external political influence cannot be entirely discounted.”

Concluding the statement, the camp issued a call for unity and calm: “We implore all party members to maintain their composure. Turaki’s legal team is diligently and effectively managing this situation.”

Tanimu Turaki (SAN) is seeking the reversal of a bench warrant issued against him.