₦airaland Forum

Lawyer Withdraws from Giwa’s Defence as Court Fixes June 22 for ruling on passport application

Counsel to Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, Mr. Farooq Akanbi, on Wednesday formally withdrew from representing the defendant in his ongoing trial over alleged forgery and impersonation before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo, paving the way for Giwa to continue his defence in person

At the resumed proceedings before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, Akanbi apologised to the court over his conduct at the previous sitting when he exited the courtroom before the judge entered, an action that led to an adjournment of the case.

He insisted the incident was not intended as a mark of disrespect to the court and subsequently announced the withdrawal of his legal representation for the first defendant "to enable him represent himself."

The development followed the events of June 3 when the court declined to proceed with the matter after the defence counsel's absence triggered concerns over proper representation.

At Wednesday's proceedings, Giwa informed the court he had a pending motion dated May 28, 2026, seeking reliefs connected to his medical condition and the release of his international passport.

Responding, prosecuting counsel Wisdom Madaki challenged the authenticity of medical documents attached to the application. He told the court that after being served with the motion, the prosecution wrote to General Hospital, Nyanya, to verify the medical report relied upon by the defendant, but the hospital allegedly denied issuing the document. The Nyanya hospital also said the Doctor whose name is on the medical report does not work at the hospital and the purported medical report presented to the court by Victor Giwa is fake.

Madaki further disclosed that Giwa later filed a further affidavit containing another medical report purportedly from the same hospital, prompting another request for verification.

"In view of this, we apply for a short adjournment to enable confirmation from the hospital, or we proceed with the substantive issue," Madaki submitted.

However, Giwa opposed the request, arguing that once he had filed a further and better affidavit, the prosecution was foreclosed from responding.

He maintained that it would be unconstitutional to subject his application to an investigation, adding that if the prosecution believed the documents were forged, it could pursue a separate investigation.

He also urged the court to accord weight to his standing at the Bar and release his documents to facilitate medical treatment.

In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie agreed with the defendant that the motion was ripe for hearing and proceeded to entertain arguments on the application.

Adopting his motion and supporting processes, Giwa urged the court to discountenance the prosecution's counter-affidavit, arguing that its deponent relied on information obtained from an interested party in the matter.

Madaki, on his part, urged the court to dismiss the application.
The defendant also moved a separate application dated May 14, which the prosecution did not oppose.

After listening to the parties, Justice Onwuegbuzie reserved ruling on the applications until June 22, 2026.

Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, are facing trial over allegations of forging official documents and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Awa Kalu. Both defendants have denied the charges.

https://leaders.ng/2026/06/10/lawyer-withdraws-from-giwas-defence-as-court-fixes-june-22-for-ruling-on-passport-application/

First to comment. This man is a professional but he is involving himself into alot of unethical and career damaging actions that may make him to be disbarred and thrown out from the professional body of the Nigerian bar association. How can you even be forging medical reports again despite the fact that you already have a criminal case in court already lol. I don’t want this guy to be among those that will bring disrepute and insult to the legal profession. What a shame!!

ogugwa1992:
Lawyer Withdraws from Giwa’s Defence as Court Fixes June 22 for ruling on passport application




https://leaders.ng/2026/06/10/lawyer-withdraws-from-giwas-defence-as-court-fixes-june-22-for-ruling-on-passport-application/

I lack words to say, but justice must prevail

Thunder fire the lawyer

The court processes fit make person mad. They said he filed a further and better affidavit. What makes the affidavit better?
Are they not supposed to file a motion to investigate the veracity of earlier medical record presented for forgery or authentication before continuation of adoption or ruling. I Noor be lawyer oooo, I just dey use knowledge of wetin we dey read.
The guy still fine escape unscathed if prosecution mishandle the case.
He has always been moving mad. I know him from school, Na weyrey guy

ccollins:
First to comment. This man is a professional but he is involving himself into alot of unethical and career damaging actions that may make home to be disbarred and thrown out from the professional body of the Nigerian bar association. How can you even be forging medical reports again despite the fact that you already have a criminal case in court already lol. I don’t want this guy to be among those that will bring disrepute and insult to the legal profession. What a shame!!

Sensiblerealist:
The court processes fit make person mad. They said he filed a further and better affidavit. What makes the affidavit better?
Are they not supposed to file a motion to investigate the veracity of earlier medical record presented for forgery or authentication before continuation of adoption or ruling. I Noor be lawyer oooo, I just dey use knowledge of wetin we dey read.
The guy still fine escape unscathed if prosecution mishandle the case.
He has always been moving mad. I know him from school, Na weyrey guy

u knew him from school? How was he as a person? Has he been an opportunist and a swindler of some sort. I heard he made alot of money through some property transactions. I think he became a bit greedy along the line.

He was a bit older than many of his mates so has always had this edge of trying to recoup lost time. Generally volatile but smart. We were JCI together and once had a physical bust up as he always wanted to impress his will on everyone around. I met him in Abuja too while trying to get his feet; wouldn't be surprised if he was sleeping in his petite car (I think a Nissan Micra) then.
The guy get crazy can-do spirit oooo, he fit approach the president of inn see the littlest of opportunity. That probably explains how he later got his breaks.
Met him latter years and was amazed at the upgrade , not exactly super big money as portrayed
Can't say he's a swindler and I can't bet against that as well but inn Sabi milk any opportunity and thread the fringes of ethical behaviour.
If he is innocent, I hope he gets out of this and try to straighten some of inn ways.

ccollins:
u knew him from school? How was he as a person? Has he been an opportunist and a swindler of some sort. I heard he made alot of money through some property transactions. I think he became a bit greedy along the line.