Defence Counsel Steps Aside Amid Dispute Over Medical Records; Court to Decide June 22 in Forgery and Impersonation Trial
By A1NEWS International
ABUJA, Nigeria – June 11, 2026
A dramatic twist unfolded on Wednesday in the ongoing criminal trial of Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, as his counsel, Mr. Farooq Akanbi, formally withdrew from representing him before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo, leaving the legal practitioner to continue his defence personally in a case involving allegations of forgery and impersonation.
The development came as Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie reserved ruling until June 22, 2026, on Giwa’s application seeking the release of his international passport and other reliefs linked to an alleged medical condition requiring treatment.
The case has attracted growing public attention due to allegations by the prosecution that medical documents presented by the defendant may have been forged, a claim strongly contested by Giwa.
Counsel Apologises, Withdraws from Case
At the resumed hearing, Akanbi addressed the court regarding his conduct during the previous sitting on June 3, when he exited the courtroom before the arrival of the judge, an incident that forced the court to adjourn proceedings.
The lawyer tendered an apology, insisting that his actions were not intended as a sign of disrespect to the court.
Following the apology, he formally announced his withdrawal from the matter.
According to him, the decision was made to allow Giwa represent himself in the criminal proceedings.
The withdrawal effectively places the burden of defending the charges directly on the defendant, who is himself a legal practitioner.
Passport Application Sparks Fresh Controversy
Following the withdrawal of his counsel, Giwa informed the court of a pending motion filed on May 28, 2026, seeking the release of his international passport and other documents to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
However, the application immediately triggered fresh legal arguments after the prosecution questioned the authenticity of medical records attached to the motion.
Prosecuting counsel, Wisdom Madaki, told the court that after receiving the application, the prosecution contacted General Hospital, Nyanya, to verify the medical report relied upon by the defendant.
According to Madaki, the hospital allegedly denied issuing the medical document presented before the court.
He further informed the court that Giwa subsequently filed a further and better affidavit attaching another medical report purportedly issued by the same hospital.
The prosecution argued that the latest development necessitated additional verification before the court could determine the application.
“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.
Giwa Rejects Investigation of Court Documents
Responding, Giwa opposed the prosecution’s request, arguing that the court should proceed with the application without further delay.
The defendant maintained that once he filed a further and better affidavit, the prosecution was procedurally barred from filing another response.
He further argued that subjecting documents already before the court to an external investigation would amount to an unconstitutional exercise.
According to Giwa, if the prosecution genuinely believed the documents were forged, it was at liberty to initiate a separate criminal investigation rather than delay the hearing of the application.
He also urged the court to consider his professional standing as a member of the Nigerian Bar and grant the request for the temporary release of his passport to facilitate medical treatment.
Court Proceeds with Hearing
In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie agreed that the motion was ripe for hearing and directed parties to proceed with arguments.
Adopting his motion and supporting processes, Giwa urged the court to disregard the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, alleging that the information contained therein originated from interested parties and lacked neutrality.
The prosecution, however, maintained its opposition and urged the court to dismiss the application in its entirety.
The defendant also moved a separate application dated May 14, 2026, which was not opposed by the prosecution.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Onwuegbuzie reserved ruling on all pending applications until June 22, 2026.
Background to the Criminal Charges
Victor Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, are currently standing trial over allegations of forging official documents and impersonating respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu.
The prosecution alleges that the defendants unlawfully used forged documents and falsely represented themselves in matters connected to the legal profession.
Both defendants have denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The trial is expected to continue after the court delivers its ruling on the pending applications later this month.
Legal Community Watching Closely
Legal observers say the case raises significant questions about professional ethics, the authenticity of documentary evidence, and procedural safeguards within Nigeria’s justice system.
The court’s forthcoming ruling on the passport application and the controversy surrounding the medical reports may also influence the trajectory of the substantive criminal proceedings.
With the defence now effectively being conducted by the defendant himself, attention will remain focused on how Giwa navigates the complex legal battle ahead.
As the trial progresses, the dispute over allegedly conflicting medical records has added another layer of complexity to an already sensitive forgery and impersonation case. The June 22 ruling is expected to determine whether Giwa will regain temporary access to his travel documents while simultaneously shaping the next phase of proceedings before the FCT High Court.
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