Justice Samira Bature of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has threatened to order the arrest of lawyer Victor Giwa and property developer Cecil Osakwe over their repeated failure to appear for arraignment in a case involving alleged illegal eviction and criminal intimidation.
At Monday’s hearing, which was scheduled for arraignment, the case—marked FCT/HC/CR/22/2923—was adjourned for the fourth time due to the continued absence of the first and second defendants. Meanwhile, the third defendant was present but lacked legal representation.
Prosecution counsel M.O. Una informed the court that the defendants had consistently sought adjournments, and he had seen yet another letter requesting a postponement. He described the situation as unfortunate, arguing that the repeated delays indicated an attempt to evade arraignment.
Una pointed out that since the case was transferred to Justice Bature’s court, the defendants had been seeking adjournments, which the court had granted in good faith. He noted that their law firm has multiple lawyers, making representation feasible, and insisted that their continued absence showed disregard for the court.
The prosecution further refuted claims by Victor Giwa’s law firm that the parties were working toward a settlement, emphasizing that the complainant was present in court and could testify otherwise.
In response, Justice Bature adjourned the case until February 17 for arraignment, warning that if the first and second defendants failed to appear on that date—one they themselves suggested—the court would grant the prosecution’s request to compel their attendance.
The defendants are facing a nine-count charge related to unlawful eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and damage to property valued at N300 million.
