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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, located in Apo, Abuja, commenced hearing on Thursday in the trial of Abuja-based attorney, Victor Giwa, along with his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, who are charged with forgery and impersonation.
The pair appeared before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, facing allegations of forging official documents and impersonating a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu, to mislead the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) into dropping criminal charges against Giwa that were pending in another FCT High Court in Maitama.
During the resumed proceedings, the prosecution's counsel, F.G. Gabriel, called the first prosecution witness (PW1), a resident of Maitama, Abuja, who recounted a series of events that occurred between June 28 and July 8, 2024.
The witness informed the court that she purchased a property from a developer, Cecil Osakwe, in February 2021, made full payment, and took possession. She claimed that Osakwe later tried to reclaim the property after its value increased, a pattern she asserted was typical of his conduct.
According to PW1, Osakwe filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in September 2021, but the case was dismissed after she provided evidence of payment. Subsequently, Osakwe initiated a civil suit against her, after which she received a letter dated December 21, 2021, allegedly from Giwa, instructing her to vacate her home within 14 days or face eviction.
“True to his threat, he led armed thugs and some policemen, who are now at large, to break into my home and forcibly evict me and my children under the pretense of enforcing a purported court judgment,” she recounted.
The issue was later escalated to the AGF’s office, which filed a nine-count charge against Giwa, including illegal eviction, malicious damage, disconnection of essential services, and mischief.
PW1 testified that Giwa was scheduled for arraignment on July 2, 2024, but allegedly forged a letter to the AGF, impersonating Awa Kalu (SAN), to request the withdrawal of the charges.
She stated that she found the letter online on July 8, 2024, and forwarded it to her attorney, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, who questioned its authenticity due to noticeable grammatical and spelling mistakes. Upon investigation, Kalu’s chambers confirmed that the letter did not originate from him and that the second defendant, Bukola, whose NBA seal appeared on the document, had never been employed at the firm.
PW1 then submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), which led to an investigation by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).
“Had I not exposed the forgery,” she stated, “the AGF might have been misled into withdrawing the nine-count charge against the first defendant, leading to a serious miscarriage of justice.”
She further claimed that Giwa still possesses her property and belongings that were taken during the alleged illegal eviction on March 18, 2022.
The court accepted her written statement to the police as Exhibit 1A after no objection was raised by defense counsel, Ogbu Aboje, who represents the second defendant. Giwa represented himself.
Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case to November 12, 2025, for the cross-examination of the witness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola?
Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola are facing charges of forgery and impersonation, including allegations of forging official documents and impersonating a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to mislead the AGF.
What did the prosecution witness testify about?
The prosecution witness testified about purchasing a property and being forcibly evicted by armed men allegedly led by Giwa, while also detailing the subsequent legal actions that followed.
When is the next court hearing scheduled?
The next court hearing is scheduled for November 12, 2025, for cross-examination of the witness.
