Property developer, lawyer charged with illegal eviction seek settlement
By Edith Nwapi
A property developer, Cecil Osakwe, and an Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, urged the FCT High Court to allow parties conclude settlement talks in the alleged illegal eviction and property damage case.
Also charged with Osakwe and Giwa is Edith Erhunmuuse.
They are charged with criminal conduct involving the forceful eviction of occupants and damage to property worth N300 million.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Ahmed Raji, counsel representing Osakwe, informed the court that he was intervening in the matter to see that the matter is settled out of court.
He told the court that parties had been engaging in talks aimed at easing the grievances of the nominal complainant and bringing the matter to a close.
“We have been trying to resolve the matter in a way to assuage our pains and to make sure this matter is brought to a closure.
” I have also spoken to the prosecution counsel, who is a very good colleague , we have done several matters together.
” I want to appeal that the question of arraignment is deferred to allow us to see the outcome of this effort” Raji said.
Responding, the prosecution counsel, Aderonke Imana confirmed what the senior counsel told the court.
Imana however, told the court that the behaviour of the 2nd defendant, Victor Giwa does not show that he wanted Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR ).
” Yesterday, I was served with three different processes by the 2nd defendant (Giwa).
She further urged the court to allow the bench warrant issued on both Giwa and the 3rd defendant last sitting still continue on the 3rd defendant because she is still not in court.
Responding, Raji warned Giwa that, not with standing that he is speaking on both of first (Osakwe) and Giwa (2nd defendant), that he can never trade his integrity because of one case.
” I will not soil my hands and integrity on one case .
” If they, I repeat, if they try to defraud me, I will be the first to go against them, I will not compromise my conscience or reputation.
” I am making the promise here in the open court” Raji said.
Giwa, who represented himself in court, then told the court that he aligned with the senior advocate (Raji).
He promised to be of good behaviour and apologised for his absence at the last meeting which brought issuance of a bench warrant on him.
” I am in court and ready to abide by the settlement initiative .
In her ruling, the trial judge, Justices Samira Bature recalled that an earlier application for a bench warrant against Giwa had previously been declined even though it was established that he was appearing before another court on the said date.
The court subsequently vacated the bench warrant against Giwa but cautioned him to conduct himself properly as a legal practitioner.
” Now, because of the intervention of senior 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.”
” I know at a point during the course of this proceedings, at one time one of the prosecuting counsel applied for bench warrant and I didn’t grant it.
” I gave him the opportunity to appear, being a legal practitioner.
Justice Bature then adjourned until June 25 for arraignment.