Unlawful Eviction Case: Defendants Seek Settlement After Three Years

Unlawful eviction case: Defendants seek settlement after three years of evading justice.

After nearly three years of delays, the N300 million illegal eviction and property damage case has reached a turning point, as the defendants have now indicated a willingness to engage the nominal complainant in settlement discussions.

The development reflects a fundamental principle of the justice system: no one is above the law, and accountability cannot be indefinitely avoided.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, property developer Cecil Osakwe and Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa urged the court to allow parties conclude ongoing settlement talks.

Counsel to the first defendant, Ahmed Raji, SAN, informed the court that negotiations were already at an advanced stage and appealed for the defendants’ arraignment to be deferred pending the outcome.

Raji stated that discussions were aimed at addressing the grievances of the nominal complainant and bringing the matter to a close.

“We have been trying to resolve the matter in a way that assuages the pain of the nominal complainant and ensures closure. Discussions are ongoing, and final terms have not yet been agreed,” he said.

He added that substantial progress had been made and assured the court of his commitment to ensuring compliance with any agreement reached, noting that he would withdraw from the matter if the defendants failed to conduct themselves appropriately.

Responding, prosecuting counsel, Aderonke Imana, acknowledged the efforts toward settlement but expressed reservations about the sincerity of the defendants. She noted that multiple applications had recently been filed by the second defendant, suggesting parallel litigation despite claims of willingness to settle.

“The processes filed do not reflect the conduct of parties genuinely committed to an out-of-court settlement,” she argued.

The second defendant, Victor Giwa, who represented himself, confirmed that he has attended several meetings with the Learned Silk, Ahmed Raji, SAN, and also appealed to the court to vacate the bench warrant previously issued against him.

However, the prosecution opposed the request, urging the court to maintain the bench warrant until the settlement process was concluded.

In her ruling, Justice Samira Bature noted that an earlier application for a bench warrant against Giwa had previously been declined even though it was established that he was appearing before another court on the said date.

The court subsequently vacated the bench warrant against Giwa but cautioned him to conduct himself properly as a legal practitioner.

The judge stated that the court decided to “bend backwards” largely because of the credibility and assurances of the senior advocate involved in the settlement efforts.

The court, however, ruled that the bench warrant issued against the police officer, Inspector Edith Erhunmwunse, would remain in force due to her continued absence.

Counsel to the nominal complainant, A.K. Musa, stated that the matter, filed in January 2023, had suffered prolonged delays. He added that the conduct of the second defendant, Victor Giwa, including acts of intimidation, had caused additional distress to his client.

He, however, expressed confidence that, with the involvement of the learned Silk, justice and accountability would be achieved.

The court adjourned the matter to June 25, 2026, for further proceedings

A System That Must Work for All

While the case now moves toward possible resolution, it highlights a broader reality within the justice system: delays may occur, but accountability must remain constant.

Justice may take time. But it must not be denied.