Illegal Eviction: Court maintains police officer order

Justice Samira Bature of the FCT High Court, Maitama, on Wednesday, upheld the warrant order issued against a police officer, Edith Erhunwuse, of the FCT Area Command.

He issued the ruling in the marked case, FCT/HC/CR/222/2023.

The first defendant, Cecil Osakwe, was represented by Ahmed Raji, SAN while Aderonke Imana appeared for the Federal Government as a public prosecutor.

The nominal complainant, AK Musa, was also present in court.

Raji, SAN, in his arguments, told the court that it was his first appearance in the matter.

He said negotiations to resolve the dispute were nearing completion, asking that the court hearing be postponed.

“We have been working to resolve this matter in a way that can ease our pains and bring it to a conclusion.

“I spoke to my clients, particularly Mr Osakwe, and Ms Imana, a colleague with whom I handled several matters,” he said.

He added that only final terms remain pending, subject to approval. “I give my word in open court: if the other party tries to defraud me, I will be the first to move against them. I will not compromise my conscience or my reputation.”

Prosecution Counsel Imana referred to the court three pending motions filed by the 2nd defendant.

“From the proceedings already before this Court, it is obvious that he has no interest in a settlement on his part,” he said.

“The documents do not reflect the position of someone seeking reconciliation.” She, however, expressed hope that an amicable solution could be reached.

Giwa told the court he had attended several meetings on the matter and would respect the decision made.

“My concern as a lawyer is only about the effect of the general act. My position is that the effect of the general act should be quashed. That question has nothing to do with the substance of the matter before this Court,” he said.

He asked for time to study a process just served on him, adding: “I understand that the Court does not issue bench warrants lightly. If an accused appears for his case, that is all the Court requires.”

Judge Samira Bature said the information and letters submitted to the court were inaccurate and warned against taking decisive action pending.

Regarding Giwa’s conduct, the judge recalled two previous requests for an arrest warrant.

“I have been reliably informed that you appeared in another case in the Federal High Court on the same day that this matter came up for trial. They also produced the list of cases in which you had supported your name.

“Since that evidence has not been formally filed, I have given you the benefit of the doubt.”

He added: “Now, through the intervention of a learned lawyer, who is well known and respected throughout Nigeria, I will concede. As a mark of respect to him and his intervention, I will vacate the warrant.”

The judge, however, warned Giwa to change his approach. “You need to act like the legal professional that you are. If the nominal complaint is something that can be resolved, go sit down, talk and resolve it.

But when you do other things and say so many things everywhere, it doesn’t seem like you want to settle.”

Justice Bature noted that the senior lawyer had “put his integrity and honor on the line” by interceding on Giwa’s behalf. “Don’t forget it.”

The court reiterated that the arrest warrant issued at the CP, FCT, against police officer Edith Erhunwuse remains in force.

The matter was postponed to June 25, 2026 for arraignment.