Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, declared wanted earlier this week by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie had, on Monday, September 15, 2025, issued a bench warrant for Giwa and his co-defendant, Barr. Ibitade Bukola, after both failed to appear for their scheduled arraignment on charges of forgery and impersonation.
Police sources confirmed Giwa was apprehended on Friday, September 19 and is currently being held at Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Lagos. He is expected to be transferred to Abuja on Monday, September 22, in compliance with the court order.
The Inspector General of Police has filed a three-count charge (CR/150/25) accusing Giwa and Bukola of conspiring to forge a legal document purportedly issued from the chambers of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Awa U. Kalu, with the intent to mislead the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
According to the charge, the alleged forgery occurred on June 28, 2024, when the duo allegedly forged and signed a letter on Awa U. Kalu’s official letterhead, titled:
“Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023.”
The letter, addressed to the AGF, sought to halt a planned arraignment before Justice Samira Bature of the FCT High Court, Maitama, scheduled for July 2, 2024. It argued that the charges against Giwa—relating to alleged illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage totaling ₦300 million—should be withdrawn in the interest of “natural justice, equity, and fair play.”
At Monday’s sitting, Prosecution Counsel Eristo Asaph reminded the court that during the May 26, 2025 hearing, the defence had sought an adjournment due to the first defendant’s bereavement, which the court granted on the condition that both defendants attend the next sitting without fail.
Defence counsel Ogbu Aboje presented a letter and medical report dated September 3, indicating Giwa needed urgent medical attention. He also explained that Bukola missed court due to a routine hospital visit for her daughter’s immunization.
Asaph, however, challenged the medical report, arguing it failed to show Giwa was incapacitated and noted Bukola provided no supporting documentation. He urged the court to discountenance their excuses and issue a bench warrant.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie agreed, stating that the reasons presented were insufficient. Invoking Section 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the judge issued a bench warrant to compel both defendants’ appearance.
Police are still pursuing Bukola, who remains at large. Both defendants are expected to appear before Justice Onwuegbuzie on October 8, 2025, to answer charges of conspiracy, forgery, fraudulent execution of documents, and false personation of a legal practitioner.