An ongoing trial of an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa by the Nigeria Police over alleged forgery has taken another turn as the lawyer at the heart of the investigation appears to have changed tune.
A senior lawyer, Mr Awa U. Kalu, SAN, had previously disowned a letter allegedly forged and presented by Giwa and an acoomplice to interfere with a criminal case.
Uwa, in a letter dated July 8, 2024, seen by our reporter, addressed to Deji Adeyanju & Partners, the Senior Advocate unequivocally stated:
“Please be informed that the letter does not emanate from AwaU. Kalu( SAN) & Partners. The counsel whose seal appears on the letterhead has never been in the employment of, and is not currently associated with, our firm in any capacity.”
This disavowal of the said letter —allegedly authored by Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola Olugbenga – served as the basis for criminal charges filed by the Inspector General of Police before the FCT High Court, Apo, under Charge Number CR/150/25.
Prosecutors are however taking aback when Mr Kalu wrote another letter, dated May 30, 2025, distancing himself from the ongoing prosecution by asserting that he never filed a formal complaint.
Efforts to speak with Mr Kalu over this matter was unsuccessful at press time.
However, a senior lawyer who reviewed the relevant documents, including Kalu’s prior police statement, noted that Mr Kalu’s position needs not affect the prosecution.
“The power to investigate and prosecute a crime lies not with private individuals, but with law enforcement,” the lawyer said on condition of anonymity. “When a serious offence like forgery and impersonation occurs – especially one involving attempts to mislead the Attorney General of the Federation – the Police need not seek anyone’s permission before a charge is filed. This matter rightly falls within the jurisdiction of the police and the courts.”
Meanwhile, Giwa, the principal defendant in the case, has failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment despite several adjournment.
This is even as the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the Nigerian Bar Association has found a prima facie case of gross professional misconduct against both Giwa and Olugbenga.
Sources say the two have since been directed to file their defence, which they have done and they await a trial date.
