A Tale of Resilience: Ms. Asabe Waziri’s Triumph Over Tyranny
A Defining Moment of Injustice
March 18th, 2022, was a turning point in our founder’s life. On this day, her peaceful life in Abuja was upended by a reprehensible act – an illegal eviction from her home. This malicious deed was orchestrated by a deceitful developer, Cecil Osakwe of Abeh Signature Ltd, with the assistance of lawyer, Victor Giwa. Giwa, employing armed thugs, invaded her sanctuary, a home she had purchased and lived in for over a year and confiscated all her belongings. This brazen act of self-help was falsely justified under the guise of executing a court order. Prior to this, on February 20th, 2022, Victor Giwa accompanied by armed thugs and an electrician had disconnected her essential services including water and electricity, directly supervising this barbaric act personally. Ms. Asabe Waziri’s triumph over tyranny began with this shocking violation of her rights.
Two weeks later, Giwa’s true motives were exposed when he was appointed a shareholder and Director of Abeh Properties Management Ltd, a company owned by his client, the developer. This appointment underscored his blatant self-interest, greed and unethical conduct in leading the illegal eviction.
Following their arrest and investigation by the the Nigeria Police Force’s, highest investigative body, the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Honourable Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has filed an eight-count charge including illegal trespass, theft, mischief, tampering with electricity supply and other offenses against the developer Cecil Osakwe, Victor Giwa and another individual for their barbaric acts. They are scheduled to be arraigned on July 3, 2024, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama.
Standing Up Against Injustice
Despite an unjust court judgment obtained by the developer, Ms. Waziri refused to be crushed. She faced a co-ordinated smear campaigns and intimidation tactics but remained resolute in her pursuit of justice. Rather than giving in to despair, she rallied her legal team and launched an appeal. Her fight against the wrongful eviction and ongoing efforts exemplified Ms. Asabe Waziri’s triumph over tyranny, inspiring many who face similar battles.
Fighting Back
Her lawyers, led by Henry Eni-Otu, Esq., swiftly filed an appeal. On April 4th, 2022, the Court of Appeal, recognized the glaring injustice and ruled in her favour. The panel, led by Justice H.S. Tsammani, and including Justices U. A. Ogakwu and B.I Gafai, declared, “considering the circumstances of this case, it is ordered that the Status quo ante bellum be maintained”. However, the developer defied this order for over two years, further demonstrating his blatant disregard for the law.
Finally, on March 1st, 2024, justice was served when the FCT High Court enforced the order of the Court of Appeal, restoring Ms. Waziri to her home. Her journey, marked by resilience and unwavering determination, serves as a beacon of hope to all who face similar injustices.
Victory through Perseverance:
Despite attempts to prolong the proceedings at the Court of Appeal with applications and adjournments, the appeal initiated on March 11, 2022, concluded favourably on May 21, 2024. In a unanimous verdict, the three-judge panel led by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, and including justices Abba Bello Mohammed , and Okon Efreti Abang, overturned the lower court’s judgment in its entirety and awarded costs of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) to the appellant, Ms. Asabe Waziri.
Ms. Waziri and lawyers posing as they exited the Court of Appeal, Abuja on May 21, 2024.
The Court of Appeal declared that the judgment of the trial court was not supported by credible evidence and constituted a miscarriage of justice.
Justice Barka, in his judgment stated:
“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.” Justice Barka’s judgment marked a significant moment in Ms. Asabe Waziri’s triumph over tyranny, highlighting her resilience and determination in overcoming the challenges posed by the illegal eviction.
Read the full judgement of the Court of Appeal in the case of Asabe Waziri V. Abeh Signature Ltd.
A Beacon of Hope
Ms. Waziri’s story is more than a legal victory; it is a testament to the power of perseverance. It sends a powerful message to anyone facing adversity: never lose faith in the pursuit of what is right. The journey may be tough, but Ms. Waziri’s unwavering resolve ultimately paved the way. Her victory stands as an inspiration to all battling similar injustices to fight for their rights, and not to surrender to exploitation, intimidation or blackmail.
Join the Fight for Justice
Ms. Asabe Waziri’s story is not unique. Illegal evictions and land disputes are harsh realities for many. By sharing her story, we hope to inspire others to fight for their rights. Together, let us raise awareness and condemn these unlawful practices. Let Ms. Waziri’s resilience guide us – To Be the change, to fight for what’s right, and to ensure justice prevails for all.
Read about the inspiration for AWJAI
Updated: (July 1, 2024)
Following the enforcement of the Court of Appeal order dated April 4, 2022, by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court Enforcement Department on March 1, 2024, Victor Giwa and Cecil Osakwe orchestrated a shocking and disturbing act of lawlessness. They deployed armed thugs and severed essential services to Ms. Waziri’s apartment, despite their ongoing prosecution for similar offenses in 2022, including unlawful eviction and tampering with utilities.
Their actions underscore a profound contempt for the rule of law and the judiciary, exposing their unchecked greed and blatant disregard for justice. These transgressions are now under investigation by the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), aiming to ensure they face appropriate prosecution.
Their brazen misconduct persisted even after the Court of Appeal’s judgment on May 21, 2024, revealing their audacious belief that they could evade accountability and undermine the justice system.
Victor Giwa’s relentless pursuit of personal gain, at the expense of justice came to a decisive end when he and his thugs were forcibly removed from Ms Waziri’s residence on June 27, 2024, by FCID officers. A comprehensive investigation is underway to uncover how such unlawful acts were perpetuated in the FCT and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
