Human rights advocate Barrister Victor Giwa has raised serious concerns regarding his ongoing trial at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo. In a formal motion, Giwa alleged that the court is intentionally obstructing his efforts to travel to the United Kingdom for urgent medical treatment.
Giwa contends that repeated adjournments have prevented him from keeping vital appointments with his primary care physician. He stated that his health has deteriorated significantly, citing heart-related issues and high blood pressure, which he fears could lead to a stroke or cardiac arrest. He has requested the temporary release of his passport between July 5 and July 22, 2026, to receive necessary care from his family and doctors abroad.
The lawyer, who is facing charges of forgery brought by the Inspector General of Police, described the legal proceedings as a targeted effort to ruin him rather than a genuine prosecution. He alleged that a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police and other unnamed individuals are manipulating the court system to settle personal grievances. He urged the judiciary to grant him the courtesy of accessing his medical care.
The underlying charges involve accusations that Giwa forged the letterhead of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu. However, Kalu has explicitly denied authorizing any such complaint, stating in a 2025 letter to the police that he never reported the lawyer for forgery or impersonation. Despite this clarification from the alleged victim, the police have continued to move forward with the case against Giwa and his co-defendant, Bukola Ibitade.