The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has rejected a series of applications filed by lawyer Victor Giwa and his co‑defendant, clearing the way for their trial on alleged forgery and impersonation to proceed. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, hearing the matter on Wednesday, also ordered Giwa, his associates and agents to refrain from making any public comments about the case in the press or on social media.
Giwa and fellow defendant Ibitade Bukola are accused of using forged documents to deceive the Office of the Attorney‑General of the Federation, allegedly prompting the withdrawal of an earlier criminal case against Giwa before an FCT High Court in Maitama. The prosecution contends that the forged paperwork was part of a scheme to impersonate Senior Advocate of Nigeria Awa Kalu.
Representing the Inspector‑General of Police were Eristo Asaph and Saleh Nafisa, while Farouk Akambi appeared for Giwa and Ogbu Aboje for Bukola. Levi E. Nwonye attended as a watching brief for the nominal complainant.
The court dismissed several key motions. It rejected Motion M/7/57/25, in which the defence argued that the court lacked jurisdiction, affirming that the tribunal was properly constituted to hear the case. Motion M/12210/25, which sought to strike out the charge on the basis that material evidence had not been disclosed, was also denied; the judge held that service of the court processes on Giwa was proper and sufficient.
An application for the judge’s recusal and transfer of the case to the FCT Chief Judge on grounds of bias was dismissed as “having not an iota of truth.” Justice Onwuegbuzie warned that any further allegations of bias would need to be substantiated, emphasizing that the proceedings were being conducted in accordance with due process.
The court refused a request to release Giwa’s international passport for medical treatment abroad, citing a lack of documentary proof. However, it granted an injunction preventing Giwa, his co‑defendants and their agents from making any further statements about the case in newspapers, on television or via social‑media platforms.
The prosecution’s motion to revoke Giwa’s bail was also turned down. Citing precedent (Ameh Obute & Five Others v. State), Justice Onwuegbuzie noted that while Giwa’s conduct appeared unprofessional, it fell short of the legal threshold required for bail revocation. “If the misconduct continues, we will look into it,” the judge cautioned.
Finally, a request by the prosecution to amend the charge was rejected because the proposed amendment introduced a distinct offence, which, under the law, must be filed separately.
The trial has been adjourned, with further hearings set for 18 May, 25 May and 3, 4 and 10 June 2026. The rulings keep the case on track and underscore the court’s insistence on procedural compliance while limiting public commentary on the ongoing proceedings.
