Efforts to resolve a protracted ₦300 million illegal eviction and property damage case out of court gained momentum on Wednesday, as parties involved urged the court to allow ongoing negotiations to be concluded.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the first defendant, Ahmed Raji, informed the court that discussions were at an advanced stage and appealed for the defendants’ arraignment to be deferred pending the outcome.
“We have been resolving the matter in a way to assuage the pain of the nominal complainant and ensure closure. We are still discussing and have yet to agree on the final terms,” Raji said.
The case involves property developer Cecil Osakwe and Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, who both expressed support for an amicable resolution.
Raji assured the court of his commitment to ensuring compliance with any agreement reached, adding that he would withdraw from the matter if the defendants failed to act in good faith.
However, prosecuting counsel, Adorenke Imana, questioned the sincerity of the defendants, noting that the second defendant had filed multiple motions despite ongoing settlement talks.
“The processes filed do not appear like actions from parties genuinely committed to out-of-court settlement,” she argued.
Giwa, who represented himself, confirmed that several meetings had been held and appealed to the court to vacate the bench warrant earlier issued against him, promising to abide by any agreement reached.
But Imana opposed the request, insisting that the warrant should remain until the settlement process is concluded. She also urged the court to sustain the bench warrant issued against a police inspector, Edith Erhunmwunse, for failing to appear in court.
In her ruling, the trial judge, Samira Bature, vacated the bench warrant against Giwa, noting that he had previously been absent due to proceedings in another court.
The judge, however, cautioned him to conduct himself appropriately and ruled that the bench warrant against the police officer would remain in force.
Counsel to the nominal complainant, A.K. Musa, said the case, filed in January 2023, had been prolonged by the conduct of the second defendant, including alleged acts of intimidation against his client.
The court adjourned the matter until June 25 for further proceedings, expressing hope that the parties would reach a resolution through the ongoing negotiations.
