A judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, has issued a stern warning to an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, against attempting to secure a private meeting with the court outside of official proceedings.
Court Hearing Stalls Over Absent Counsel
The warning came during the hearing of a case involving alleged forgery and impersonation on 12 January 2026. The trial, however, could not proceed as scheduled because the lead counsel for the first defendant, Victor Giwa, was absent. Ibrahim Idris (SAN) was reported to be recovering from surgery. Giwa himself informed the court about his lawyer's condition.
The second defendant, Ibitade Bukola, was represented in court by her lawyer, Ogbu Aboje. Appearing for the prosecution was T. Y. Silas, who represented the Inspector-General of Police. Levi E. Nwoye was also present, holding a watching brief for the complainant in the matter.
Shocking Attempt at Private Audience
During the session, the court raised a serious concern regarding an alleged attempt by the first defendant, Victor Giwa, to arrange a private meeting in the judge's chambers before the hearing. Giwa admitted to suggesting such a meeting, which he claimed was intended to include the prosecuting counsel, the counsel for the second defendant, and the court registrar. He described it as an act of professional courtesy.
Justice Onwuegbuzie strongly questioned the appropriateness of this move. He asked Giwa directly whether it was acceptable for a defendant with a pending case to seek a private audience with a judge. Giwa conceded that the practice was indeed improper.
Prosecuting counsel T. Y. Silas confirmed to the court that Giwa had approached him about the proposed meeting. Silas stated that he declined the invitation after the defendant failed to disclose the purpose of the discussion. He described the entire attempt as unethical and inappropriate.
Justice Onwuegbuzie expressed his dismay, labelling the incident as "shocking". He issued a clear warning that the court would not tolerate any attempts by parties to a case to approach a judge in chambers over a matter already being heard in open court.
Adjournment Debate and Final Ruling
The discussion then turned to the request for an adjournment. The prosecution opposed the adjournment, arguing that the hearing date was fixed at the instance of the first defendant's counsel. Silas referenced a letter dated 10 December 2025 from Giwa's lawyer specifically requesting dates in January.
Citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, particularly Section 396(4) which limits adjournments after arraignment, Silas urged the court to award costs against Giwa under Section 396(6) for wasting the court's time.
In his defence, Victor Giwa invoked his constitutional right to counsel of his choice under Section 36(c) of the 1999 Constitution. He rejected the suggestion that another lawyer could stand in for his absent Senior Advocate and described the prosecution's request for costs as "mischievous", maintaining he had not benefited from the delays.
Counsel for the second defendant supported Giwa's position and also requested an adjournment.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie expressed clear displeasure with the conduct of the defence. He noted that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) should have junior counsel available to handle proceedings in their absence. The judge found the explanations offered for the adjournment unsatisfactory.
Nevertheless, stating that the court would "bend backwards" in the interest of justice, Justice Onwuegbuzie granted an adjournment. He clarified that while there was no compelling reason for the delay, the court allowed it "to fulfil all righteousness".
The case was subsequently adjourned to 21 January 2026 for the continuation of the hearing.
