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 in own his defence.
At the resumed hearing before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, Akanbi tendered an apology to the court over his conduct at the previous sitting, when he left the courtroom before the judge’s arrival, an action that had led to an adjournment.
He told the court that the incident was not intended to show disrespect and subsequently announced his withdrawal from representing the first defendant “to enable him represent himself.”
The development followed proceedings of June 3, when the court declined to continue the matter after the defence counsel’s absence raised concerns over proper representation.
At Wednesday’s sitting, Giwa informed the court of a pending motion dated May 28, 2026, seeking reliefs relating to his medical condition and the release of his international passport.
Responding, prosecuting counsel Wisdom Madaki questioned the authenticity of the 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, stating that the medical report presented was fake.
Madaki further informed the court that Giwa later filed a further affidavit containing another medical report purportedly from the same hospital, which led to 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.
Opposing the request, Giwa argued that once a further and better affidavit had been filed, the prosecution could no longer respond to the application.
He maintained that it would be unconstitutional to subject his motion to investigation, insisting that if the prosecution believed the documents were forged, it should pursue a separate inquiry. He also urged the court to consider his standing at the Bar and grant the release of his passport to enable him undergo medical treatment.
In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the motion was ripe for hearing and proceeded to take arguments from both parties.
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 case.
Madaki, however, urged the court to dismiss the application.
The defendant also moved another application dated May 14, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned ruling on the applications until 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. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
