FCT High Court rejects lawyer Victor Giwa’s bid to stop forgery trial
High Court Dismisses Lawyer’s Bid to Halt Forgery Trial
Apo, Federal Capital Territory — The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has dismissed efforts by Abuja lawyer Victor Giwa to halt his trial over allegations of forgery and impersonation.
During a session on Wednesday, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled on several pending motions and issued a directive preventing Giwa, along with his associates, from making public comments regarding the case on any media platforms.
Giwa and co-defendant Ibitade Bukola face prosecution for allegedly submitting forged documents to deceive the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation into withdrawing a prior criminal case against Giwa, which was pending in an FCT High Court in Maitama.
In Wednesday’s proceedings, Eristo Asaph and Saleh Nafisa represented the Inspector-General of Police, while Farouk Akambi defended Giwa. Ogbu Aboje acted on behalf of Bukola, and Levi E. Nwonye appeared to monitor the proceedings for the complainant.
The court dismissed Motion M/7/57/25, a challenge to its jurisdiction over the case, affirming that it was competent to continue with the proceedings. It also rejected Motion M/12210/25, which sought to dismiss the charges due to an alleged lack of evidence.
Furthermore, the court upheld that the service of court documents to the first defendant was proper and sufficient. An application for the judge to recuse himself and transfer the case due to claims of bias was also rejected, with Justice Onwuegbuzie stating, “There is not an iota of truth in it,” and reaffirming that the court operates impartially.
An application requesting the temporary release of Giwa’s international passport for medical treatment abroad was denied, citing insufficient supporting documentation. However, the judge did issue an order preventing the defendants and their associates from making any further public statements about the case.
The prosecution’s motion to revoke Giwa’s bail was also declined, with the court emphasizing that bail revocation requires clear evidence of misconduct. Justice Onwuegbuzie acknowledged that Giwa’s conduct appeared unprofessional but did not meet the legal criteria for such action. “If the misconduct continues, we will look into it,” he warned.
Additionally, the prosecution’s request to amend the charge was denied, as the proposed amendment introduced a separate offense that necessitated independent filing.
The trial is set to continue on May 18 and 25, as well as June 3, 4, and 10, 2026.
