Justice Samira Bature of the FCT High Court, Maitama, on Wednesday retained the warrant order issued against, against Police Officer Edith Erhunwuse of the FCT Area Command.
The judge gave the ruling in the case marked, FCT/HC/CR/222/2023 .
The 1st defendant, Cecil Osakwe, was represented by Ahmed Raji, SAN, Aderonke Imana appeared for the Federal Government as prosecuting counsel. The nominal complainant, AK Musa, was also present.
Raji, SAN, told the court it was his first appearance in the matter.
He said negotiations to resolve the dispute were near conclusion and asked that arraignment be deferred.
“We have been working to resolve this matter in a way that will assuage our pains and bring it to a closure.
“I have spoken with my clients, particularly Mr. Osakwe, and with Mrs. Imana, a colleague with whom I have handled several matters.”
He added that only final terms were outstanding, subject to approval. “I give my word in open court: if the other side attempts to defraud me, I will be the first to move against them. I will not compromise my conscience or reputation.”
Prosecuting counsel Imana referred the court to three pending motions filed by the 2nd defendant.
“From the processes already before this Court, it is obvious he has no interest in settlement on his part,” she said.
“The filings do not reflect the posture of someone seeking reconciliation.” She however expressed hope that an amicable settlement could be reached.
Giwa told the court he had attended several meetings on the matter and would abide by the decision arrived at.
“My concern as counsel is only with the effect of the general act. My position is that the effect of the general act should be set aside. That issue has nothing to do with the substance of the matter before this Court,” he said.
He requested time to study a process just served on him, adding: “I understand that the Court does not issue bench warrants lightly. If a defendant appears for his case, that is all the Court requires.”
Justice Samira Bature said information and letters before the court were inaccurate and cautioned against taking decisive steps pending.
On Giwa’s conduct, the judge recalled two previous applications for a bench warrant. “I was reliably informed that you appeared in another matter at the Federal High Court on the same date this matter came up for arraignment. They even produced the case list where you endorsed your name.
” Because that evidence was not formally filed, I gave you the benefit of the doubt.”
She added: “Now, because of the intervention of learned counsel, who is well known and respected all over Nigeria, I will concede. Out of respect for him and his intervention, I will vacate the bench warrant.”
The judge however warned Giwa to change his approach. “You must conduct yourself as the legal practitioner that you are. If the nominal complaint is something that can be settled, go and sit down, talk, and resolve it.
But when you do other things and say so many things all over the place, it does not appear that you want to settle.”
Justice Bature noted that senior counsel had “put his integrity and honour on the line” by pleading on Giwa’s behalf. “Do not forget that.”
The court reiterated that the bench warrant issued to the CP, FCT, against Police Officer Edith Erhunwuse remains in force.
The matter was adjourned to June 25, 2026, for arraignment.
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