A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Maitama has ruled that the ₦300 million illegal eviction case involving property developer Mr. Cecil Osakwe, lawyer Victor Giwa, and Police Inspector Edith Erhunmuuse must continue in the interest of justice.
Justice Samira Bature, who presided over the matter, refused an application by the defendants asking the court to strike out the case for lack of diligent prosecution.
At the sitting, the judge noted that the case had already suffered several adjournments and warned that further delays would no longer be tolerated.
“This matter must proceed in the interest of justice. Both parties must be given the opportunity to be heard,”Justice Bature said.
The court observed that the prosecution had written to request an adjournment, explaining that its counsel was on official assignment outside the country.
However, the defense opposed the request. Counsel to the first defendant, Mr. Ayuba Kawu, argued that the prosecution was unserious and urged the court to strike out the charge for want of diligent prosecution.
The second defendant, lawyer Victor Giwa, who represented himself, supported the motion.
Justice Bature, however, held that although the case had faced previous delays caused by the defense, the prosecution should be given the benefit of the doubt.
The judge further directed that the pending applications by the defendants would be taken when the prosecution is present to respond, emphasising that in the interest of justice, both parties must be given the opportunity to be heard.
The judge also directed counsel to the third defendant, Inspector Edith Erhunmuuse, to ensure that his client, a police officer, appears in court on the next adjourned date.
The case, which involves allegations of unlawful eviction of occupants and property damage estimated at ₦300 million, was adjourned to February 3, 2026, for arraignment.
