The trial of Abuja lawyer Victor Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, over allegations of forgery and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria Awa Kalu, did not continue on Wednesday at the FCT High Court in Apo.
The two defendants are facing charges before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie for allegedly forging documents and pretending to be Kalu to mislead the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation into withdrawing an earlier case filed against Giwa.
During Wednesday’s sitting, prosecution lawyers F.G. Gabriel and T.Y. Silas were present for the Inspector-General of Police. Giwa’s lawyer did not appear but sent a letter asking the court to postpone the hearing. Lawyers Ogbu Aboje and C.S. Ugwu represented Bukola, while Levi E. Nwoye appeared for the complainant.
The second defence counsel told the court that the adjournment request came from Ibrahim Idris (SAN), who claimed to represent Giwa. But the prosecution objected, saying Idris had never appeared in the case and could not request an adjournment.
Gabriel argued that this was another attempt by the first defendant to delay the proceedings. Justice Onwuegbuzie agreed that Idris had never appeared in the matter, hinting that the letter supported concerns about deliberate delay.
The judge noted that Giwa, who is a lawyer himself, should be ready to defend his case instead of causing what he described as unnecessary “drama.” He reminded the court that Giwa once appeared with 13 lawyers, later said he would represent himself, and was now introducing a new lawyer without proper notice.
Gabriel further pointed out that no formal application had been filed to change counsel, although the judge stated that civil procedure rules did not apply strictly to a criminal case.
The court then adjourned the matter to January 12, 2026, to hear all pending motions.
At the last hearing, the prosecution had also accused Giwa of using delay tactics after he failed to appear on time. Lawyers for the prosecution were present, but Giwa was absent until later.
His co-defence lawyer told the court Giwa had gone to the hospital, a claim the prosecution disputed, saying the information was not properly communicated.
Justice Onwuegbuzie criticised Giwa for not informing the court directly and temporarily stood the matter down.
When Giwa eventually arrived, he told the court he had handed the case to another lawyer because of health concerns. The prosecution immediately noted contradictions in his statements.
Giwa also said he received amended charges on December 2 and needed time to review them. The prosecution did not oppose a short adjournment then, and the case was moved to December 10.