Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Apo, has rejected an application by Abuja lawyer, Victor Giwa, asking him to withdraw from a trial for forgery and impersonation.
The case involves Giwa and another accused, Ibitade Bukola, accused of falsifying official documents and impersonating the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu.
Prosecutors allege that they used the fake documents to try to trick the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) into dropping earlier charges filed against Giwa at the FCT High Court in Maitama.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Giwa represented himself, while Ogbu Aboje represented the second accused. The prosecution was led by FG Gabriel on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
Giwa filed four motions with the court, including one asking the judge to step aside for alleged bias.
He claimed that his trial was pre-arranged and that Judge Onwuegbuzie had shown manifest bias in handling the case.
He cited Sections 6(6) and 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and supported his motion with a 74-paragraph affidavit and 15 annexes.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to dismiss the application, calling Giwa’s claims baseless and speculative.
In a brief ruling, Judge Onwuegbuzie dismissed Giwa’s motion, saying it lacked merit and evidence.
“The request arises from mere imagination,” the judge said.
“A motion cannot be filed that has not been properly filed with the court. Having reviewed the affidavit and filings, I find no basis for the allegations of bias. All actions taken in this matter have followed due process.”
Justice Onwuegbuzie added that the court would not be swayed by unfounded claims and would ensure that justice was done.
“Justice must be done without fear or favor,” he declared.
The case was adjourned to November 27, 2025 for the trial to continue and to hear Giwa’s motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction.