Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has issued a final warning to property developer Cecil Osakwe, ordering his appearance for arraignment or risk an arrest warrant.
Osakwe, along with legal practitioner Victor Giwa and Edith Erhunmuuse, is facing a nine-count charge involving illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage totaling ₦300 million.
Repeated Absences Stall Proceedings
At Monday’s hearing, Giwa and Erhunmuuse were present, but Osakwe was absent for the fifth consecutive time. Prosecution counsel M.O. Una expressed frustration over the repeated delays, accusing Osakwe of deliberately avoiding trial.
“It is clear that the first defendant is evading arraignment. This case has suffered unnecessary setbacks since 2023 due to his absence. We urge the court to enforce his appearance,” Una stated.
Defense Claims Health Crisis
Osakwe’s counsel, Chibunna Odiniru, presented two applications: one questioning the court’s jurisdiction and another requesting an adjournment. He argued that Osakwe was receiving urgent medical treatment abroad and submitted a doctor’s report confirming that he needed eight weeks of intensive care.
“This is prosecution, not persecution. My client is critically ill and must recover before standing trial,” Odiniru pleaded.
However, the prosecution countered, highlighting that this was the third time Osakwe had cited medical reasons to delay proceedings.
Final Warning: Appear or Face Arrest
Presiding Judge Justice Samira Bature acknowledged the pattern of adjournments but granted a final extension, adjourning the case until March 17, 2025.
“The court has taken judicial notice of these repeated excuses. If the first defendant fails to appear on the next date, a warrant of arrest will be issued,” Justice Bature warned.
Additionally, the judge instructed Erhunmuuse, who appeared without legal representation, to secure a lawyer before the next hearing. The prosecution was also directed to ensure all defendants have legal representation moving forward.
With the next court date set, all eyes are on whether Osakwe will finally appear—or if the court will be forced to take decisive action.
