Abuja-based lawyer arrested in Lagos over alleged forgery

An Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, whose bench warrant was issued by a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Apo earlier in the week, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie had, on Monday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Giwa and Ibitade Bukola.

The warrant was issued after they failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment on forgery and impersonation charge.

The police said that Giwa was picked up in Lagos on Friday, and is currently being held at the Zone II Police Headquarters.

He is expected to be transferred to Abuja on Monday, in compliance with the bench warrant.

In the charge marked CR/150/25 filed by the Inspector General of Police, Giwa and Bukola are accused of conspiring to forge a legal document purportedly issued by the chambers of Awa U. Kalu, SAN, with intent to mislead the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF,

According to the prosecution, the offence was committed on June 28, 2024.

The prosecution alleged that Giwa and Bukola forged and signed a letter on the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu, SAN, requesting the AGF to suspend a scheduled arraignment.

Issuing the bench warrant, Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the medical report presented by the defence did not say the 1st defendant would be unable to attend court while the 2nd defendant did not even produce any document at all.

Justice Onwuegbuzie said as a result of the foregoing a bench warrant has been issued according to Section 352 of ACJA against the defendants to compel their appearance at the next adjourned date, October 8, 2025.

Bukola is also expected to be arrested with the duo expected to appear before Justice Onwuegbuzie to answer to the charges preferred against them.

Abuja-based lawyer arrested in Lagos over alleged forgery