By Abubakar Yunusa
Drama unfolded on Wednesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo, as counsel to Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, Mr Farooq Akanbi, withdrew from his defence in an ongoing forgery and impersonation trial.
The withdrawal came during resumed proceedings before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, where Akanbi also tendered an apology to the court over his conduct at the previous sitting.
He admitted exiting the courtroom before the judge entered, an act that earlier stalled proceedings, but insisted it was never intended as disrespect.
“I apologise to the court,” he said, before announcing his decision to step aside to allow Giwa defend himself in person.
The case, already marked by procedural tension, had suffered adjournment on June 3 after concerns arose over absence of defence counsel in court.
In Wednesday’s sitting, Giwa told the court he had filed a motion seeking reliefs tied to his medical condition and the release of his international passport.
But prosecuting counsel, Wisdom Madaki, raised alarm over the authenticity of medical documents attached to the application.
Madaki told the court that verification from General Hospital, Nyanya allegedly revealed the medical report submitted by Giwa was not issued by the facility.
He further informed the court that a subsequent affidavit filed by the defendant contained yet another medical report purportedly from the same hospital, prompting further verification requests.
The prosecution urged for an adjournment to confirm the documents or for the court to proceed with the substantive matter.
Giwa, however, opposed the move, arguing that his further affidavit had already closed the door for prosecution response, insisting the court should not allow what he described as an unconstitutional probe into his application.
He also appealed for the release of his travel documents to enable him seek medical attention, citing his status at the Bar.
Justice Onwuegbuzie, in a brief ruling, held that the motion was ripe for hearing and proceeded to listen to arguments from both sides.
While Giwa urged the court to discountenance the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, the state insisted the application lacked merit and should be dismissed.
A separate application dated May 14 filed by the defendant was not opposed by the prosecution.
After taking submissions, the court reserved ruling on all applications till June 22, 2026.
Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, are standing trial over allegations of forging official documents and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Awa Kalu, charges they have both denied.
