Abuja-based lawyers Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola were arraigned on Tuesday before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo Division, on charges of alleged document forgery and impersonation.
The defendants, facing a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, false personation, and fraudulent execution of documents, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the charge sheet, the offences were allegedly committed on June 28, 2024, when Giwa and Bukola purportedly forged a letter using the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN) and addressed it to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The forged letter, titled “Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023,” allegedly sought to influence the AGF to halt Giwa’s scheduled arraignment before Justice Samira Bature of the High Court, Maitama.
The case had earlier been stalled on September 15, 2025, prompting Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie to issue a bench warrant against Giwa, who was subsequently arrested. His co-defendant, Bukola, had been at large but was presented before the court on Tuesday.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel, Asaph Eristo, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment. The charges were read in open court, and both defendants pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution requested that Giwa be remanded in custody to prevent interference with ongoing investigations. However, defence counsel, Edwin Anikpenu (SAN), applied for bail, arguing that both defendants are legal practitioners and noting that Bukola is a nursing mother. He also sought leave to orally amend the existing bail application to include the second defendant.
Justice Onwuegbuzie, visibly displeased, criticised the defence for making an oral bail application despite being represented by over a dozen lawyers.
“It is shocking that a lawyer, a Senior Advocate, would come with an oral application and attempt to add another defendant without documentation.”
With 13 lawyers present, none deemed it fit to file a proper bail application,” the judge remarked.
The court subsequently denied bail for Bukola and ordered her remand at the Correctional Facility in Suleja, Niger State. On Giwa’s bail application, Anikpenu urged the court to release him on self-recognition or into the custody of a reputable executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch, assuring the court that he would not interfere with the case.
The prosecution opposed the application, citing a counter-affidavit and evidence that suggested Giwa posed a flight risk, and noted that public funds had been used to facilitate his arrest.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted Giwa bail in the sum of N30 million with two sureties in like sum. He is to remain in police custody until he meets the bail conditions.
The sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, reside in Abuja, have a verifiable address, and present a valid identification card. They are also required to submit their international passports to the court. The matter was adjourned to October 15, 2025, for continuation.
