Judge Warns Property Developer Cecil Osakwe and Lawyer Victor Giwa Against Evading Arraignment in Illegal Trespass Case

Justice Samira Bature of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Maitama, on Thursday issued a stern warning to a property developer, Cecil Osakwe, and his co-defendants, including lawyer Victor Giwa, over continued attempts to evade arraignment in a criminal case filed by the Federal Government.

Listed as Defendants in the charge marked, FCT/HC/CR/222/2023 are Cecil Osakwe, Lawyer, Victor Giwa and one other.

The case, which has now been adjourned five times, involves a nine-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful eviction, criminal intimidation, threat to life, and malicious damage to property valued at over N300 million.

At Thursday’s sitting, only the first defendant, Osakwe, was appeared in court. The 2nd and 3rd defendants were absent, prompting strong remarks from the prosecution.

Representing the Federal Government, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B Abubakar, decried what he called a “persistent disregard” for the court, stating:

“This is the fifth adjournment. The defendants are showing disrespect and must not be allowed to ridicule the court. We are applying for a bench warrant to compel their appearance,”

Above also revealed that Gina’s legal representation had changed, with Awa Kalu (SAN) now serving as lead counsel, who requested adjournment due to his involvement in a Call-to-Bar ceremony.

The prosecution disputed this, pointing out that Victor Giwa was not in court at the last adjourned date, (March 17), stating “he wouldn’t have been in court and at the same time submitted a medical report.” raising questions about the credibility of his excuses.

In a surprising twist, Chibunna Odiniru, representing Chikaosolu Ojukwu, SAN, counsel to Osakwe, withdrew legal representation for the first defendant.

When the court sought clarification from the 1st Defendant (Osakwe), he claimed to have appeared in court twice, and expressed frustration during the proceedings, prompting a caution from the judge.

Justice Bature asked if Osakwe had secured new legal representation. He confirmed that Awa U. Kalu, SAN was now also representing him.

Noting the repeated delays, the judge directed the court registrar to write to the Legal Aid Council to provide legal representation for the third defendant, a police officer.

She firmly stated that no no further adjournments or excuses would be accepted.

The matter was adjourned to November 4 for final arraignment.

The charges against Osakwe and Giwa include allegations of unlawful eviction of occupants and damage to property estimated at N300 million.