On Tuesday, Abuja-based attorneys Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola appeared before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo Division, facing allegations of document forgery and impersonation.
The duo stands accused on a three-count indictment involving criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, false impersonation, and fraudulent document execution. Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty to all charges.
The charges stem from an incident dated June 28, 2024, where Giwa and Bukola are alleged to have fabricated a letter on the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN). This letter was purportedly addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
The forged document, titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023,” was allegedly intended to persuade the AGF to halt Giwa’s scheduled arraignment before Justice Samira Bature at the FCT High Court, Maitama.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, who is overseeing the case, noted that proceedings had previously been delayed on September 15, 2025, leading to the issuance of a bench warrant for Giwa’s arrest, after which he was taken into custody.
While Bukola had initially been absent, she was brought before the court on Wednesday.
During the session, Prosecutor Asaph Eristo informed the court that the arraignment was set to proceed. The charges were formally read aloud, and both Giwa and Bukola maintained their not guilty pleas.
The prosecution moved to have Giwa remanded in custody, citing concerns that he might obstruct ongoing investigations.
In response, defense counsel Edwin Anikpenu, SAN, requested bail for both defendants, emphasizing their status as legal practitioners and highlighting that Bukola is a nursing mother.
Anikpenu also sought the court’s permission to amend the bail application orally to include Bukola.
Justice Onwuegbuzie expressed clear dissatisfaction with the defense’s approach, criticizing the oral amendment request despite the presence of over a dozen defense lawyers.
“It is astonishing that a Senior Advocate would submit an oral application to add another defendant without proper documentation. With thirteen lawyers present, none found it necessary to file a formal bail application,” the judge remarked sternly.
Consequently, the court denied bail for Bukola, ordering her remand at the Correctional Facility in Suleja, Niger State.
Regarding Giwa’s bail, Anikpenu urged the court to grant release on self-recognition or place him under the custody of a respected Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) executive from the Garki Branch, assuring the court that Giwa would not interfere with the case.
The prosecution opposed this, referencing a counter-affidavit and evidence suggesting Giwa might abscond, noting that public resources were utilized in his arrest.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court granted Giwa bail set at ₦30 million, with two sureties each pledging the same amount. Giwa remains in police custody until the bail conditions are fulfilled.
The sureties must be Abuja-based civil servants at Grade Level 16 or above, with verifiable addresses, valid identification, and international passports.
The case was adjourned to October 15, 2025, for further proceedings.
Also present at the hearing were A.A. Askira from the Civil Liberty Committee of the NBA, observing on behalf of the defense, and Levi Nwonye representing the nominal complainant.