The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Apo has rejected attempts by Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa to halt his ongoing forgery and impersonation trial. The court also restrained Giwa and his associates from making public comments on the case.
Court Rulings on Motions
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, while ruling on pending motions on Wednesday, dismissed a series of applications filed by the defense. The court held that it has jurisdiction to continue hearing the matter and that due process had been followed throughout the proceedings.
Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, are standing trial over allegations of forgery and impersonation involving Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Awa Kalu. Prosecutors alleged that forged documents were used to mislead the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) into withdrawing a criminal case earlier instituted against Giwa at the FCT High Court, Maitama.
Key Rulings
In one of the key rulings, the court dismissed Motion M/7/57/25, which sought to terminate the case on grounds of lack of jurisdiction, affirming that the court was competent to entertain the matter.
Another application, Motion M/12210/25, seeking to strike out the charge for allegedly failing to disclose sufficient material evidence, was equally dismissed. The court held that service on the first defendant was proper and adequate.
Justice Onwuegbuzie also rejected Motion M/14379/25, which requested his recusal and transfer of the case to the FCT Chief Judge over alleged bias. “I have gone through the application and there is no iota of truth in it,” the judge ruled. “He who asserts must prove. All steps taken so far follow due process. The court is not biased; we stand for justice at all times.”
Other Rulings
The court further dismissed an application seeking temporary release of the first defendant’s international passport for medical travel abroad, citing insufficient documentary evidence in support of the request.
However, the judge granted an application restraining Giwa, his agents, or associates from making further statements about the case in the media, including social media platforms, newspapers, and television broadcasts.
On the prosecution’s application seeking revocation of the first defendant’s bail, the court declined the request, holding that bail could only be withdrawn upon clear evidence of misconduct. Citing the case of Ameh Obute & 5 Others v. State, Justice Onwuegbuzie observed that although the defendant’s conduct appeared unprofessional, it had not reached the threshold required for revocation of bail. “If the misconduct continues, we will look into it,” the judge warned.
The court also refused an application by the prosecution seeking leave to amend the charge, ruling that the proposed amendment introduced a separate offence that ought to be filed independently.
Next Hearing
The matter was subsequently adjourned to May 18, May 25, June 3, June 4, and June 10, 2026, for continuation of trial.
