Alleged Forgery: Abuja Lawyer Giwa, 1 Other Arraigned, Get N30m Bail Condition

Abuja-based lawyers Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola were connected Tuesday arraigned earlier the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo Division, implicit charges of alleged papers forgery and impersonation.

The defendants, who are facing a three-count complaint bordering connected transgression conspiracy to perpetrate forgery, mendacious personation, and fraudulent execution of documents, pleaded not blameworthy to each the charges

According to the complaint sheet, the alleged offences were committed connected June 28, 2024, erstwhile Giwa and Bukola allegedly forged a missive utilizing the authoritative letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN), and addressed it to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

The forged missive titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa connected Charge Number: CR/222/2023”, allegedly sought to power the AGF to halt Giwa’s arraignment scheduled earlier Justice Samira Bature astatine the FCT High Court, Maitama.

The matter, presided implicit by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, was antecedently stalled connected September 15, 2025, prompting the issuance of a seat warrant against Giwa, who was aboriginal arrested.

His co-defendant, Bukola, had been astatine ample but was presented earlier the tribunal connected Wednesday.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, Prosecution Counsel Asaph Eristo informed the tribunal that the substance was scheduled for arraignment. The charges were work successful unfastened court, and Victor Giwa and his co-defendant pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution requested that Giwa beryllium remanded successful situation custody, citing the request to forestall interference with investigations.

However, Edwin Anikpenu, SAN, appearing for the defence, applied for bail, stating that some defendants are ineligible practitioners and argued that the 2nd defendant, Bukola, is simply a nursing mother.

Anikpenu sought the permission of the tribunal to orally amend the existing bail exertion to see the 2nd defendant.

Justice Onwuegbuzie, visibly displeased, criticised the defence for presenting an oral bail petition contempt being represented by implicit a twelve lawyers.

“It is shocking that a lawyer, a Senior Advocate, would travel with an oral exertion and effort to adhd different suspect without documentation. With 13 lawyers present, nary deemed it acceptable to record a due bail application,” the justice remarked.

The tribunal subsequently refused bail for the 2nd suspect and asked that she beryllium remanded astatine the Correctional Facility successful Suleja, Niger State.

Regarding Giwa’s bail, Anikpenu urged the tribunal to see admitting him connected self-recognition oregon to the custody of a reputable enforcement of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch, promising that helium would not interfere with the case.

The prosecution opposed the application, citing a counter-affidavit and grounds suggesting Giwa posed a formation risk, noting that nationalist funds were utilized to effect his arrest.

After proceeding some sides, the tribunal granted Victor Giwa bail successful the sum of ₦30 million, with 2 sureties successful similar sum, indicating helium remains successful constabulary custody till helium perfects its conditions.

The sureties indispensable beryllium civilian servants, not beneath Grade Level 16, nonmigratory successful Abuja, with verifiable addresses and valid ID cards. They indispensable besides taxable their planetary passports.

The substance was subsequently adjourned to October 15, 2025, for continuation.

Also, successful attendance astatine the tribunal sitting were A.A. Askira of the Civil Liberty Committee of NBA watching briefs for the suspect and Levi Nwonye for the nominal complainant.