Cecil Osakwe and Victor Giwa Arraignment Adjourned After DPP Requests Further Review

The scheduled arraignment of property developer Cecil Osakwe and lawyer Victor Giwa was on Tuesday adjourned after the prosecution informed the court that a further review of the case had been requested by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation.

At the resumed sitting, prosecuting counsel, Aderonke Imani told the court that the matter, which was listed for arraignment, could not proceed due to the absence of the third defendant and the directive for a fresh review.

The court noted that counsel to the third defendant had written to explain her client’s absence. It was also observed during proceedings that the defendant had not been present at previous sittings.

Victor Giwa, who appeared for himself, thanked the DPP for the review. Counsel for the first defendant Farooq Akanbi stated that his client was present and ready to proceed.

Justice Samira Bature granted the request for review and adjourned the matter to 24 April 2026 for arraignment.

The charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, lists Cecil Osakwe, Victor Giwa and Edith Erhunmuuse as defendants. They are accused of unlawful eviction and malicious damage to property estimated at ₦300 million.

One of the counts alleges that in 2022 the defendants conspired to unlawfully enter a residence in Maitama, Abuja, and removed personal belongings without consent. The alleged offences are said to be contrary to Sections 96, 97, 326 and 327 of the Penal Code Law.

The matter now stands adjourned to 24 April 2026.

Read the full press release issued by counsel to the nominal complainant here.