UPDATE: Abuja Court Remands Senator Natasha’s Lawyer In Custody Over Forgery Charges
Embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer, Victor Giwa, has been remanded in police custody by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, on Monday, September 29, 2025, facing charges of forgery and impersonation.
Giwa, arrested in Lagos following a September 15 bench warrant, appeared without his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, who remains at large.
The prosecution, led by Theophilus Silas, accused Giwa and Bukola of forging a letter on Senior Advocate of Nigeria Prof. Awa U. Kalu’s letterhead, addressed to the Attorney-General. Silas urged Giwa’s remand under Sections 293 and 43(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), stating, “The police are still on the trail of the 2nd defendant and hope to apprehend her before the next adjourned date,” and cited Giwa as a flight risk.
Representing himself, Giwa contested the remand, arguing, “Section 293 of the ACJA cited by the prosecution does not apply to this case.” He emphasized his role as a lawyer, saying, “I am a minister in the temple of justice and would not undermine the court. I am not feeling fine and have been advised to avoid stroke.” Giwa requested bail, adding, “Due to my health condition, I should be released on bail because I wish to get well on time to be strong enough for trial.”
Justice Onwuegbuzie rejected the oral bail request, stating, “The defendant ought to know that he should file a bail application and not an oral request.” The judge ordered Giwa’s remand and adjourned the case to October 8 for arraignment.
— NANS