Alleged illegal eviction: Court warns Lawyer Victor Giwa and Property Developer Cecil Osakwe over  repeated absences.
Justice Samira Bature of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday issued a warning to lawyer  Victor Giwa and property developer Cecil Osakwe over their repeated non-appearance for arraignment in a case involving alleged unlawful eviction, malicious damage, criminal trespass, mischief, and criminal intimidation.
 The case, marked: FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, revolves around alleged illegal eviction and property damage amounting to N300 million.  Despite multiple adjournments, the defendants have consistently failed to appear in court, further delaying the arraignment.  While the third defendant was present in court, she lacked legal representation, and the first and second defendants were absent once again.
Prosecution counsel M. O. Una, expressed frustration over the persistent delays, describing the defendants’ actions as a deliberate attempt to avoid arraignment. Â Una emphasized that the court had repeatedly accommodated adjournment requests from the defendants, despite their apparent disregard for judicial proceedings.
He further criticized the first defendant’s legal team, who wrote to the court claiming that the lead lawyer had a case in Bayelsa state.  Una pointed out that the firm has multiple  lawyers, making representation feasible.  Una argued that the repeated absences demonstrated a lack of respect for the court and urged Justice Bature to exercise her authority to compel the defendants’ appearance.
In defense of the 2nd defendant, Victor Giwa and Associates, submitted a letter claiming that the parties were working towards an out-of-court settlement. Â However, Â this assertion was refuted by Una, the prosecuting counsel from the Ministry of Justice, Â who noted the presence of the nominal complainant in court as evidence to the contrary.
In a short ruling, Justice Bature adjourned the matter to February 17, 2025, for arraignment.
The court warned that if Giwa and Osakwe fail to appear on the adjourned date – a date they themselves suggested in their letters, the court would have no option but to grant the prosecution’s request to compel their appearance.
The defendants face a nine-count charge, including unlawful eviction, malicious damage, criminal intimidation, threat to life and damage to property valued at N300 million. Â This persistent avoidance of accountability, particularly in a case of alleged illegal eviction, highlights the need for decisive judicial action to ensure justice for the victims.
January 27, 2024.
Dear Editor,
On behalf of Ilushi community in Esah South East of Edo State, l say thank you for this publication.
Barr Victor Giwa is a known fraudulent person in my Community.
please ask for evidence at [email protected]
Dear Prince Ibechile, We are sorry to hear about this violation. Please endeavour to report all illicit activities to the police.