Abuja-based lawyer wanted for forgery arrested in Lagos

By Edith Nwapi

An Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, accused of forgery and impersonation has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos.

His arrest was based on a bench warrant issued by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo earlier this week.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie had, on Monday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Giwa and one Ibitade Bukola.

The warrant was issued after they failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment on forgery and impersonation charge.

The police said that Giwa was picked up in Lagos on Friday and he is currently being held at the Zone II Police Headquarters.

He is expected to be transferred to Abuja on Monday, in compliance with the bench warrant.

In the charge marked CR/150/25 filed by the Inspector General of Police, Giwa and Bukola are accused of conspiring to forge a legal document purportedly issued by the chambers of Awa U. Kalu,, SAN, with intent to mislead the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

According to prosecution, the offence was committed on June 28, 2024.

The prosecution alleged that Giwa and I Bukola forged and signed a letter on the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN), requesting the AGF to suspend a scheduled arraignment.

Speaking further, Asaph said that in view of the development, a bench warrant should be issued against both the 1st and 2nd defendants for refusing to be in court willingly.

Reacting, the defence counsel drew the attention of the court to the explanations of the defendants about their medical issues .

He therefore, pleaded on their behalf on the matter as they had out of respect for the court deemed it necessary to notify it.

Ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie said having listened to both counsels he has observed that the medical report did not say the 1st defendant would be unable to attend court while the 2nd defendant did not even produce any document at all.

Justice Onwuegbuzie said as a result of the foregoing a bench warrant has been issued according to Section 352 of ACJA against the defendants to compel their appearance at the next adjourned date of Oct. 8

Ibitade Bukola is also expected to be arrested with the duo expected to appear before Justice Onwuegbuzie to answer to the charges preferred against them. (NAN)