Nigerian Court Orders Arrest of Ex-Minister Amid Rivalry for Control of Major Opposition Party

A high court in Nigeria’s capital issued a bench warrant on Thursday for the arrest of Kabiru Turaki, a prominent lawyer and former minister, following his repeated failure to appear on charges of providing false information to police.

The legal action deepens a longstanding internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the country’s main opposition party, where Turaki leads one of two factions vying for the chairmanship.

Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court ordered Turaki’s arrest and production after prosecutors invoked a provision allowing for forced appearance.

The judge noted that the defendant had been duly served with hearing notices but was absent without justification.

Turaki, who served as Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs from 2013 to 2015, faces a single-count charge filed in November 2025 by the Inspector-General of Police.

He is accused of submitting false information in a 2022 petition, an offense that carries penalties under Nigeria’s penal code.

The case had previously been assigned to another judge, who recused himself after Turaki petitioned the chief judge, citing concerns over impartiality.

The transfer did not, however, resolve the delays stemming from the defendant’s absence.

The PDP has been embroiled in a fractious leadership dispute since 2023, with parallel conventions producing rival national executives.

Turaki’s faction is one of two claiming legitimacy, a conflict that has hobbled the party’s organization ahead of upcoming state elections.

Court officials said the case would proceed once the warrant is executed.