By Edith Nwapi
Justice Samira Bature of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has issued a stern warning to a property developer, Cecil Osakwe, and two others, over their continued failure to appear for arraignment in a case involving alleged illegal eviction and property damage valued at N300 million.
The defendants—Osakwe, Victor Giwa, and Edith Erhunmuuse—were scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, but only Osakwe was present in court.
The arraignment, which has now been adjourned five times, has been stalled repeatedly by the absence of the accused.
Justice Bature, visibly displeased by the pattern of delays, cautioned that the court would no longer tolerate any further attempts to frustrate the proceedings.
“This is the last time. No further excuses or applications for adjournment from the defendants would be entertained,” the judge declared.
The judge adjourned the case to November 4 for definite arraignment.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, M.B. Abubakar, expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the accused, accusing them of deliberately undermining the court’s authority.
“This is the fifth adjournment. They are showing disrespect and must not be allowed to ridicule the court. We are applying for a bench warrant to compel their appearance,” Abubakar told the court.
However, counsel to the second defendant, Victor Giwa, opposed the application. Lawyer Ogbu Aboje informed the court that his client had lost two siblings, necessitating his travel. He supported the claim with a flight ticket and added that Giwa’s lead counsel, Awa Kalu (SAN), had also requested an adjournment due to his participation in a call-to-bar ceremony.
Meanwhile, Osakwe claimed he had attended court previously, but the prosecution disagreed. Abubakar pointed out that Osakwe was absent at the last adjourned date, March 17, and had instead submitted a medical report.
The situation became more complicated when Osakwe’s lawyer, Chibunna Odiniru, announced his withdrawal from the case. When questioned by the court, Osakwe confirmed he is currently facing three separate charges and expressed frustration over the ongoing proceedings, prompting Justice Bature to caution him.
The judge also inquired about his legal representation moving forward. In response, Ogbu Aboje informed the court that Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Awa Kalu, would represent both the first and second defendants.
As for the third defendant, Justice Bature instructed the court registrar to write to the Legal Aid Council to secure representation for her, citing the prolonged nature of the case.
Source; PM News
