Judge warns defendant against private meetings as FCT trial stalls

By Abubakar Yunusa

A judge of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, on Monday cautioned an Abuja-based lawyer standing trial to refrain from seeking any private audience with the court outside open proceedings.

The warning was issued as the trial of Victor Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, could not proceed due to the absence of defence counsel and concerns raised over an alleged attempt to meet the judge in chambers before the hearing.

Giwa and Bukola are facing trial over allegations of forgery and impersonation, arising from claims that certain documents were presented to mislead the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation into withdrawing an earlier charge against Giwa. The defendants have pleaded not guilty.

At the resumed hearing on January 12, prosecuting counsel, T.Y. Silas, appeared for the Inspector-General of Police. Counsel to the first defendant was absent, with Giwa informing the court that his lead counsel, Ibrahim Idris (SAN), was recovering from surgery. The second defendant was represented by Ogbu Aboje, while Levi Nwoye held a watching brief for the complainant.

The court drew attention to information that the first defendant had sought to arrange a meeting with the judge in chambers ahead of proceedings. Giwa told the court he had suggested a meeting involving other counsel and the court registrar, which he described as professional courtesy.

Justice Onwuegbuzie questioned the propriety of such a request while a matter was pending before the court. Giwa acknowledged that it would be improper.

Silas told the court that the first defendant had approached him over the proposed meeting but that he declined, noting that such an arrangement was inappropriate. The judge subsequently warned that the court would not tolerate any attempt to approach a judge privately over a pending case.

On adjournment, the prosecution argued that the hearing date had been fixed at the instance of the first defendant and cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to oppose further delay. The prosecution also urged the court to award costs for wasted judicial time.

Giwa opposed the application, citing his constitutional right to counsel of his choice and urging the court to grant an adjournment. Counsel to the second defendant aligned with the request.

In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of defence counsel but granted an adjournment in the interest of justice.

The matter was adjourned to January 21, 2026, for continuation of hearing.