₦300m Property Damage Case Adjourned Again as DPP Orders Fresh Review

Proceedings in an alleged ₦300 million property damage case were stalled again on Tuesday after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) directed that the file be reviewed again before arraignment.

At the resumed sitting, prosecuting counsel Aderonke Imana told the court that the matter could not proceed because the third defendant was absent and the DPPF had asked for another review of the case record. Imana said the prosecution was therefore asking for a short adjournment.

The court observed that counsel to the third defendant, Chidiebere Onyekwere, had written to explain her client’s absence. The judge also noted concerns about repeated non-appearance by the defendant in earlier sittings.

One of the defendants, Victor Giwa, appeared in person and said he welcomed the latest development. “I thank the DPP for initiating a review of this matter,” he said in court. Counsel to the first defendant, Farook Akanbi, said his client was present and ready to take plea.

Justice Samira Bature granted the prosecution’s request and adjourned the case to April 24 for arraignment.

The criminal charge, marked FCT/HC/CR/222/2023, lists Cecil Osakwe, Victor Giwa and Edith Erhunmuuse as defendants. They are accused of unlawful eviction and malicious damage to property valued at about ₦300 million.

According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired in 2022 to enter the residence of Ms. Asabe Waziri on Mekong Street in Maitama, Abuja, with assistance from police officers said to be at large. Prosecutors alleged that belongings were removed from the property, including her international passport and cash, without consent.

The alleged offences were said to be contrary to Sections 96, 97, 326 and 327 of the Penal Code Law.

After the hearing, A.K. Musa, counsel to the nominal complainant, said the case had suffered repeated delays since filing. He said the first arraignment date was fixed for July 3, 2024, but has not gone ahead. Musa argued that repeated adjournments run against the spirit of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which supports speedy criminal trial.

He further said the complainant was still facing hardship, alleging that academic certificates, professional records and other personal items had not been returned. Musa also said petitions submitted to the Attorney-General should not replace appearance before a court with jurisdiction over the case.

The matter is expected to resume on April 24, when the court will again attempt arraignment, subject to the outcome of the DPPF review.