A Federal Capital Territory High Court judge has cautioned Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa against attempting any private meetings with the court while his trial is ongoing.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued the warning on Monday, the 12th of January, 2026, after proceedings involving Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, could not go ahead due to the absence of the defence counsel and concerns that Giwa had allegedly sought to meet the judge in chambers prior to the hearing.
Giwa and Bukola face charges of alleged forgery and impersonation, with the prosecution asserting that they forged official documents and impersonated a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu, in an attempt to mislead the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation into withdrawing an earlier criminal charge against Giwa.
At Monday’s hearing, prosecuting counsel T. Y. Silas appeared for the Inspector-General of Police. Giwa informed the court that his lead counsel, Ibrahim Idris (SAN), was recovering from prostate surgery. The second defendant was represented by Ogbu Aboje, while Levi E. Nwoye appeared for the complainant.
The court expressed concern over reports that Giwa had sought a private meeting with the judge before the case was called. Giwa explained that he had only proposed a meeting involving the prosecution and counsel to the second defendant, with the court registrar present, insisting that the arrangement was “professional and ethical.”
Justice Onwuegbuzie disagreed, questioning whether it was proper for a defendant to pursue such a meeting while a case was pending. Giwa acknowledged that it was not.
Silas confirmed that Giwa had approached him regarding the proposed meeting but declined because the purpose was not disclosed, describing the move as “unethical and inappropriate.”
The judge called the incident “shocking” and warned that the court would not tolerate any attempt by a defendant to approach a judge in chambers over a pending case.
Regarding the adjournment request, the prosecution noted that the hearing date had been fixed at Giwa’s request, citing a letter dated the 10th of December, 2025, which requested hearing dates in January.
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Silas relied on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, arguing that Giwa had caused several delays, and urged the court to award costs for wasting judicial time.
Giwa opposed the application, citing his constitutional right to counsel of his choice, describing the prosecution’s request for costs as “mischievous” and insisting that he had not benefited from the adjournments. Counsel to the second defendant supported Giwa’s position.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie expressed dissatisfaction with the defence’s conduct, noting that senior lawyers should ensure junior counsel are available when necessary. Although he found the explanations unsatisfactory, he stated that the court would “bend backwards” in the interest of justice.
Despite finding no compelling reason to grant an adjournment, the judge allowed one “to fulfil all righteousness.” The trial was adjourned to the 21st of January, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings.