In a significant ruling at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie has firmly rejected an application seeking his removal from a high-profile forgery and impersonation case involving Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa.
Defendants Face Serious Allegations
Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola are standing trial for allegedly forging official documents and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief Awa Kalu. The prosecution claims they used these false documents to mislead the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation into withdrawing criminal charges previously filed against Giwa at the FCT High Court in Maitama.
During the latest court proceedings, the legal representation included Prosecution Counsel F. G. Gabriel appearing for the Inspector-General of Police. Victor Giwa, the first defendant, represented himself personally, while Ogbu Aboje appeared for the second defendant, Ibitade Bukola.
Multiple Motions Before the Court
The prosecution presented two significant motions to the court. The first motion, marked M/14692/25 and dated November 10, 2025, seeks amendment of the charges, though it was noted that this motion had not yet reached the judge's file. The second motion, marked M/14024/25, requests revocation of the bail previously granted to the first defendant, Victor Giwa.
Meanwhile, Giwa himself filed four separate motions challenging various aspects of the case. These included motion M/757/25 from May 21, 2025, seeking discharge of the case for lack of jurisdiction; motion M/12210/25 from September 30, 2025, asking the court to strike out the charges for insufficient materials; and the crucial motion M/13799/25 from October 27, 2025, requesting Justice Onwuegbuzie to recuse himself from the matter over alleged bias.
Judge's Firm Response to Bias Allegations
While arguing his recusal motion, Giwa made serious claims that his trial had been "pre-arranged" by the nominal complainant and that the trial judge had demonstrated "manifest bias" in conducting the proceedings. He supported his application with references to Sections 6(6) and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, backed by a substantial affidavit containing 74 paragraphs and 15 exhibits.
The prosecution countered these allegations through a counter-affidavit filed on November 4, 2025, urging the court to dismiss Giwa's application and describing the bias claims as completely unfounded and speculative.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie delivered a clear verdict, dismissing the recusal motion for lacking merit. The judge characterized the application as "borne out of mere imagination" and found no credible evidence supporting allegations of bias or prejudice.
"You cannot move a motion that is not properly before the court. Having examined the affidavit and submissions, I find no basis for the allegations of bias. All actions taken in this matter have followed due process," Justice Onwuegbuzie stated emphatically.
The judge further reinforced his commitment to impartial justice, declaring that "justice must be served without fear or favour" in this ongoing case.
Case Moves Forward
With the recusal motion resolved, the court has adjourned the case to November 27, 2025 for continuation of trial proceedings. The next hearing will specifically address the motion challenging the court's jurisdiction in this matter, marking another critical phase in this legal battle that continues to unfold in the Nigerian capital.
