I need medical attention to be able to defend myself properly – Lawyer tells court

A human rights lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court that he needs adequate medical attention to be able to defend himself properly in the charge brought against him by the Inspector- General of Police over an allegation of forgery.

Giwa, in motion No: M/8583/26, filed at the registry of the court, said his appointment with his doctors in the United Kingdom is being frustrated by the court.

He is seeking the release of his international passport to enable him seek medical attention abroad.

Giwa stated in the motion, “This court has shown ‘personal interest’ in this case and has deliberately adjourned the hearing of my application for the release of my passport from the 25th of May, 2026 to 3rd of June and now to 10th of June, 2026 to deliberately frustrate my scheduled appointment with my GP in UK, of which I have consistently failed the two appointments of 28th May, 2026 and 5th June, 2026.  

“I rely on the record and proceeding of this Honourable Court on 25th May, and 3rd June, 2026.

“That I am very ill and I have suffered Health challenges in connection to the performance of my heart leading to pressure on pumping of blood causing elevated High Blood pressure of 170/ 120Mhg.

“My application for the release of my passport is for a period of two weeks between July, 5th to July 22nd 2026 to get my medication from my GP in United Kingdom under the support and care of my family to prevent the hazards of partial stroke and cardiac arrest.”

In the charge, the police had accused Giwa of forging the letterhead paper of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.

But Awa Kalu, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police, denied the forgery of his letterhead paper, adding that he never made such a complaint.

Despite the letter in which Awa Kalu distanced himself from the allegation of forgery and impersonation against Giwa and his co-accused, Bukola Ibitade, the police went ahead to press charges.

Kalu, in the letter dated May 30, 2025, and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead.

I need medical attention to be able to defend myself properly – Lawyer tells court