The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Apo, on Wednesday adjourned the alleged forgery and impersonation trial of Abuja-based lawyer, Mr Victor Giwa, after his counsel failed to appear for proceedings.
Giwa and a co-defendant, Ms Ibitade Bukola, are standing trial before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on allegations bordering on forgery of official documents and impersonation of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Awa Kalu.
At the resumed hearing, prosecuting counsel, Mr Wisdom Madaki, who held brief for Mr Eristo Asaph of the Inspector-General of Police’s legal team, informed the court that defence counsel, Mr Farooq Akanbi, had earlier arrived at the court premises but left before proceedings commenced.
Madaki told the court that the defence counsel’s departure left the first defendant without legal representation and amounted to an attempt to delay the trial.
According to him, the prosecution had already served the defence with its response to an application seeking the release of Giwa’s international passport, as well as a further affidavit filed on May 22, 2026.
“I showed him the document for identification. After reviewing it, he said he had no objection but insisted that his motion was more important,” Madaki told the court.
He added that both defence teams were aware of the filings before the hearing date.
When the matter was briefly called, Giwa informed the court that his counsel had declined to continue handling the case and that he wished to represent himself in order to pursue his application for the release of his international passport.
The defendant relied on Section 36(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right of an accused person to defend himself.
However, the prosecution urged the court to continue with the proceedings, arguing that the matter was ripe for hearing and should not be delayed further.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie declined to proceed with the trial, noting that the defence counsel remained counsel on record and was required to formally explain his absence or properly withdraw from the matter.
“I will not allow that. The first defendant has counsel. Let him come and clear the air,” the judge said.
The judge further observed that the defence had failed to show due regard for the court by neither ensuring representation nor formally communicating any change in legal strategy.
Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently adjourned the matter until June 10, 2026, for continuation of trial.
He also vacated the June 4 sitting date earlier scheduled for the case due to an official court engagement.
