Asabe Waziri v. Abeh Signature Ltd: Court Case Involving Cecil Osakwe and Victor Giwa
Before the events described below, Ms. Asabe Waziri lawfully purchased a residential property in Abuja in February 2021 from a developer, Cecil Osakwe of Abeh Signature Ltd. What began as a routine property transaction later became the subject of dispute when disagreements arose over documentation. Rather than resolve the matter through lawful processes, the situation escalated into intimidation, legal maneuvering and ultimately an unlawful eviction carried out with the involvement of Cecil Osakwe and Victor Giwa.
The court case involving Cecil Osakwe and Victor Giwa arose from this property dispute, which developed into a significant legal battle involving unlawful eviction, abuse of legal process, blackmail, intimidation and sustained efforts to undermine Ms. Waziri’s rights.
On March 18, 2022, Ms. Waziri, founder of the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), was unlawfully removed from her home following a High Court judgment that she immediately appealed. Actions taken while that appeal was pending became central issues in subsequent court proceedings involving Cecil Osakwe and Victor..
The eviction was carried out by property developer Cecil Osakwe of Abeh Signature Ltd, and his lawyer, Victor Giwa, who was not counsel on record in the matter but nonetheless took an active role. Rather than follow lawful enforcement procedures, they resorted to self help and led armed thugs to Ms. Waziri’s residence, where they oversaw the removal of her belongings under the false pretext of executing a court order.
Barely ten days after the eviction, Victor Giwa was appointed a director and shareholder of Abeh Signature Property Management Ltd, a company owned by Osakwe. This development exposed Victor Giwa’s conflict of interest and personal benefit connected to his involvement.
Even before the events of March 18, 2022, intimidation had begun. On February 20, 2022, Giwa personally supervised the disconnection of Ms. Waziri’s water and electricity supply, again using armed men and an electrician, one Mr. Friday. These actions marked the beginning of a prolonged struggle that would test her resolve and faith in justice.
The Scheme Behind the Injustice.
What followed revealed a coordinated pattern of intimidation and abuse. Osakwe funded and directed operations from behind the scenes, while Giwa used his position as a lawyer and his connections within law enforcement to give their actions a false appearance of legitimacy.
Together, they misused legal processes and intimidation in an attempt to silence resistance. Their actions reflected a disturbing abuse of both court processes and police authority.
What they did not anticipate was that Ms. Waziri would challenge them through lawful means and expose their actions to public scrutiny, despite sustained campaigns of online harassment, defamation and intimidation.
Standing Up Against Injustice
Refusing to surrender, Ms. Waziri assembled a legal team, led by Henry Eni-Otu, Esq., and filed an appeal.
On April 4, 2022, the Court of Appeal, led by Justice H.S. Tsammani, with Justices U. A. Ogakwu and B.I Gafai, ordered that “status quo ante bellum” be maintained, meaning Ms. Waziri should be restored to her home.
Despite this order, Osakwe and Giwa defied the court for more than two years, demonstrating open disregard for the rule of law.
Brazen Defiance of the Courts
Their disregard became undeniable on May 10, 2022, when officials of the FCT High Court attempted to enforce the Court of Appeal’s order. During the lawful enforcement process, Osakwe and Giwa deployed armed thugs who assaulted and chased away court officials and disrupted proceedings, an incident widely regarded as an attack on judicial authority.
Justice Enforced at Last
On March 1, 2024, the FCT High Court Enforcement Department finally executed the Court of Appeal’s order, and restored Ms. Waziri to her home.
However, the intimidation did not stop. On March 19, 2024, essential services to her residence were again disconnected, despite ongoing criminal proceedings. A nine-count charge including illegal trespass, theft, mischief, tampering with electricity supply and other offenses was filed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice against Cecil Osakwe, Victor Giwa and a police officer for their barbaric acts.
On June 27, 2024, officers of the Force Criminal Investigation Department removed Victor Giwa and the armed thugs from the residence. Investigations continue to ennsure accountability for the lawful actions.
Victory Through Perseverance
Despite repeated procedural tactics aimed at delaying justice, the appeal concluded on May 21, 2024, with a unanimous decision in Ms. Waziri’s favour.
A three-judge panel led by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka (Presiding), with Justices Abba Bello Mohammed and Okon Efreti Abang, overturned the lower court decision in its entirety and awarded costs of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to Ms. Waziri. The Court held that the judgment of the lower court was not supported by credible evidence and amounted to a miscarriage of justice.
Justice Barka, in his judgment declared:
“It is clear that the respondent, having benefitted more from the transaction, seeks to vitiate the contract possibly to further benefit from it. I agree with the appellant’s counsel that the appeal is destined for success and should be allowed. Hence, having resolved all issues in favor of the appellant, this appeal succeeds and is hereby allowed. The judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in suit No: CV/2435/2021, delivered on February 17, 2022, is hereby set aside, and all actions taken consequent to the said judgment also stand vacated. The appellant is entitled to costs assessed at N500,000 (five hundred thousand Naira only). Appeal allowed.”
This judgment marked a defining moment in Ms. Waziri’s triumph over tyranny and a powerful reminder that justice, though delayed, can prevail.
Read the full judgement of the Court of Appeal in the case of Asabe Waziri V. Abeh Signature Ltd.
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights the serious consequences of unlawful eviction, abuse of court process and prolonged non-compliance with court orders. It shows the challenges individuals face when seeking to enforce their rights and the importance of persistence, lawful resistance, and institutional accountability.
The experience became the catalyst for the founding of AWJAI, an organisation established to ensure that others facing similar injustices are not left to navigate the system alone.
From Personal struggle to Public Mission
Ms. Waziri’s story is not unique. Her journey from victim to victor stands as an enduring reminder that resilience can outlast tyranny.
Her experience revealed a harsh reality: many people walk away from injustice not because they are wrong, but because they lack the resources to fight back. When victims walk away, perpetrators grow bolder.
AWJAI was born to change that story.
Today, the organization works to
- Protect others facing similar injustices
- Amplify the voices of the oppressed
- Ensure that no one suffers in silence
- Advocate for systemic reforms that prevent abuse, strengthen accountability and improve access to justice
Illegal evictions, land disputes, abuse of power and intimidation remain painful realities for many in Nigeria. AWJAI exists to ensure that individuals facing such challenges are not left without support and that the justice system works more fairly for everyone.