Victor Giwa’s counsel withdraws as court hears passport, medical relief applications

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Apo, Abuja, has fixed June 22, 2026, to rule on applications filed by Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, including a request for the release of his international passport on medical grounds.

The development followed the withdrawal of Giwa’s counsel, Mr Farooq Akanbi, from the case during proceedings before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on Wednesday.

Akanbi apologised to the court over his conduct at the previous sitting, when he left the courtroom before the judge arrived, leading to an adjournment of the matter. He told the court the action was not intended as a sign of disrespect and subsequently announced his withdrawal from representing the first defendant.

According to him, the decision was taken to enable Giwa to conduct his defence personally.

The case had earlier been stalled on June 3 after concerns arose over the defendant’s legal representation following the absence of his counsel.

At the resumed hearing, Giwa informed the court of a pending motion dated May 28, 2026, seeking reliefs related to his health condition and requesting the release of his international passport to facilitate medical treatment abroad.

However, prosecuting counsel, Mr Wisdom Madaki, challenged the authenticity of medical documents attached to the application. He told the court that after receiving the motion, the prosecution contacted General Hospital, Nyanya, to verify the medical report submitted by the defendant.

Madaki alleged that the hospital denied issuing the document and further stated that the doctor whose name appeared on the report was not employed by the facility.

“The hospital also indicated that the medical report presented by the defendant was not issued by the institution,” the prosecutor argued.

He further informed the court that Giwa later filed a further affidavit containing another medical report purportedly from the same hospital, prompting a fresh request for verification.

Madaki consequently sought a short adjournment to allow the prosecution complete its verification process or, alternatively, proceed with the substantive matter.

Giwa opposed the request, arguing that the filing of a further and better affidavit prevented the prosecution from raising fresh objections. He maintained that subjecting his application to an investigation was unconstitutional and contended that any concerns regarding the authenticity of the documents should be addressed through a separate inquiry.

The defendant also urged the court to consider his standing as a legal practitioner and grant his request for the release of his travel documents to enable him seek medical attention.

In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the application was ripe for hearing and proceeded to entertain arguments from both parties.

While Giwa urged the court to discountenance the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, arguing that it relied on information from an interested party, Madaki asked the court to dismiss the application.

The defendant also moved a separate application dated May 14, which was not opposed by the prosecution.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Onwuegbuzie reserved 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 to the charges.

Victor Giwa’s counsel withdraws as court hears passport, medical relief applications