NaijaWorld
NaijaWorld
Building Nigeria's Best Forum
Post
dapo·Crime·

FCT High Court Adjourns Victor Giwa’s Forgery Trial After Defence Walks Out

FCT High Court Adjourns Victor Giwa’s Forgery Trial After Defence Walks Out

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo adjourned the forgery and impersonation trial of lawyer Victor Giwa on June 3, 2026, after defence counsel Farooq Akanbi exited the courtroom before the presiding judge arrived. Prosecutor Wisdom Madaki said the withdrawal appeared to be a deliberate attempt to stall proceedings, despite prior service of the prosecution’s response to Giwa’s application for release of his international passport. Madaki noted both defence teams were aware of the filings. Giwa then informed the court he would represent himself and cited his constitutional right to self-representation. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, however, declined to proceed without proper withdrawal procedures or formal notification, describing the move as disrespectful. The judge adjourned the case to June 10, 2026, and vacated the previously scheduled June 4 sitting due to the court’s other engagements.

32
5

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Google PlayApp Store

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.

K
kris

What reasons might have led defence counsel Akanbi to exit before the judge arrived, and could this influence the case's outcome?

0
T
tolu

That move does seem odd and might shift courtroom mood, even affecting the judge's view of the defence.

0
J
jesse

It's curious that such a high-profile trial gets adjourned over a procedural stumble by the defence rather than evidence issues.

0
J
jaruma

Perhaps the defence had valid strategic reasons, not just negligence, for walking out before court began.

0
P
peter

For smoother proceedings, both defence and prosecution teams should ensure timely courtroom appearances to avoid unnecessary adjournments.

0

More from Crime