Alleged forgery: Victor Giwa’s lawyer walks out of court before proceedings begin

By Edith Nwapi/NAN

A defence counsel, Mr. Farouk Akambi, on Wednesday walked out of the FCT High Court before proceedings formally commenced in the alleged forgery case involving Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa and a co-defendant.

Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, are facing charges of allegedly forging official documents and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, informed Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie that Akambi had been present in court but left the courtroom without notifying anyone of his destination.

“He left before proceedings commenced, leaving the first defendant without representation.

“The withdrawal is a deliberate attempt to stall the proceedings despite prior service of our response to the first defendant’s application for the release of his international passport, along with a further and better affidavit filed on May 22, 2026.

“I showed him the document for identification, and after reviewing it, he said he had no objection but insisted that his motion was more important,” Madaki told the court.

The prosecutor added that both defence teams were aware of the court filings.

When proceedings briefly resumed, Giwa informed the court that his counsel had declined to continue representing him and that he would proceed to represent himself.

He cited the urgency of his application for the release of his international passport and relied on his constitutional right to self-representation under Section 36(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

Ogbu Aboje appeared for the second defendant.

However, the prosecution urged the court to proceed with the hearing to avoid further delays, arguing that the matter was ripe for trial.

Justice Onwuegbuzie declined the request, holding that the defendant’s counsel remained on record and was required to account for his absence.

“I will not allow that. The first defendant has counsel. Let him come and clear the air,” the judge ruled.

He stressed that the court expected counsel to either follow proper withdrawal procedures or formally communicate any change in legal representation.

The judge further observed that the defence had shown “no respect for the court” by failing to ensure representation for the defendant or formally notify the court of any change in legal strategy.

Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently adjourned the matter until June 10 for the continuation of trial proceedings.