Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, has issued bench warrants for the arrest of two lawyers, Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola Olugbenga, due to their continued evasion of court and failure to appear for their scheduled arraignment.
The two defendants were charged by the police with forgery and impersonation, specifically for allegedly conspiring to forge a legal document purportedly from the chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa U. Kalu.
The forged letter, dated June 28, 2024, requested the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to suspend Giwa’s scheduled arraignment set for July 2, 2024, before Justice Samira Bature in the High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
The new charges against Giwa and Olugbenga include conspiracy to commit forgery and impersonation, dishonest execution of a fraudulent document, and false personation of a legal practitioner under relevant sections of the Penal Code Act, 2004.
At the court sitting on Monday, prosecution counsel Eristo Asaph expressed frustration over the defendants’ repeated absence. Defense counsel Ogbu Aboje cited medical reasons, including Giwa’s degenerative lumbar vertebrae disorder and hypertensive condition, and Olugbenga’s need to attend to her daughter’s immunization appointment. The defense also challenged the court’s jurisdiction pending an application under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
Prosecution opposed the medical excuses, arguing the reports did not justify absence, and no proof of Olugbenga’s appointment was provided. Asaph urged the court to issue bench warrants to compel their attendance.
Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the medical report for Giwa did not confirm inability to attend court, and no documentation was provided for Olugbenga. Consequently, he issued bench warrants against both defendants to ensure their appearance at the next hearing scheduled for October 8, 2025.
