Judge Warns Property Developer Osakwe, Lawyer Giwa Over Delays in N300m Trespass Case
Justice Samira Bature of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has issued a stern warning to property developer Cecil Osakwe and lawyer Victor Giwa over their repeated failure to appear for arraignment in a criminal case filed by the Federal Government. The defendants, alongside a third unnamed individual, face a nine-count charge bordering on unlawful eviction, criminal intimidation, threat to life, and malicious damage to property valued at over ₦300 million. At the resumed hearing on Thursday, only Osakwe was present in court, while Giwa and the third defendant were absent — the fifth such adjournment due to their non-appearance. Representing the Federal Government, Director of Public Prosecutions, M.B. Abubakar, condemned the “persistent disregard” for the court and called for a bench warrant to compel their attendance. “This is the fifth adjournment. The defendants are showing disrespect and must not be allowed to ridicule the court,” Abubakar said. The court was informed that Giwa’s lead counsel, Awa Kalu (SAN), had requested an adjournment, citing his involvement in the ongoing Call-to-Bar ceremony. The prosecution, however, questioned the credibility of this excuse, noting Giwa had failed to appear even at the last sitting on March 17 and had submitted a medical report instead. In a separate twist, Osakwe’s lawyer, Chibunna Odiniru, representing Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), withdrew legal representation during the hearing. When asked if he had secured new counsel, Osakwe confirmed that Awa U. Kalu (SAN) would now represent him. Justice Bature, visibly displeased by the delays, directed the court registrar to contact the Legal Aid Council to arrange representation for the third defendant, who is reportedly a police officer. “No further excuses will be entertained. The arraignment must proceed at the next sitting,” she said. The matter was adjourned to November 4, 2025, for final arraignment. The defendants are accused of forcibly evicting lawful occupants and damaging properties worth hundreds of millions of naira — allegations the government says must be answered without further delay.