The complainant in a criminal case involving two Abuja-based lawyers on Tuesday lamented what she described as prolonged delays in their arraignment, saying the matter has lingered for nearly two years.
Ms Asabe Waziri, an Abuja resident, is the complainant in a nine-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful breaking, illegal eviction and destruction of property said to be worth about ₦300m.
The charges were filed against Mr Cecil Osakwe, Mr Victor Giwa and a police officer, Ms Edith Erhunmuse, over an alleged incident at Waziri’s residence on Mekong Street, Maitama, Abuja.
An Federal Capital Territory High Court presided over by Justice Samira Bature on Tuesday adjourned the matter till April 24, 2026, following stalled proceedings due to the absence of the third defendant.
The case had earlier been adjourned on February 3 on account of her reported ill health.
At the resumed sitting, the prosecution counsel, Aderonke Imana, informed the court that the matter, slated for arraignment, could not proceed as the third defendant was not in court.
She added that the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation had ordered a fresh review of the case and sought a short adjournment to comply with the directive.
The court noted that counsel to the third defendant, Chidiebere Onyekwere, had written to explain his client’s absence. He, however, told the court that his client had declined to appear and that he no longer represented her.
Counsel for the first defendant, Farook Akanbi, maintained that his client had consistently been present and ready for arraignment. The second defendant, Giwa, who appeared in person, welcomed the decision to review the case.
The defendants are accused of allegedly breaking into Waziri’s residence. The prosecution said the alleged offences are contrary to Sections 96, 97, 326 and 327 of the Penal Code Law.
The charge was instituted in 2023 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Although arraignment was first scheduled for July 3, 2024, the matter has been adjourned eight times for various reasons.
Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, counsel watching brief for the complainant, A.K. Musa, expressed concern over the repeated adjournments, saying speedy trial is central to criminal justice administration.
He said the complainant was eager for the court process to commence in earnest, noting that justice must serve all parties within the ambit of the law.
