Court Orders Arrest of Lawyer and Officer for Evading Arraignment

On April 24, 2026, Justice Samira Batur of the Abuja High Court issued an arrest order for Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa and police officer Edith Erhunmuus. They are accused of evading arraignment on criminal charges related to a forceful eviction that allegedly caused damages estimated at N300 million.

The prosecution, led by counsel Aderonk Imana, requested the arrest due to the defendants' continuous absence from court since the case was filed on July 16, 2023. Justice Batur noted that the absence of the defendants showed disrespect to the court, and despite the opportunity for legal representation from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Erhunmuus declined the offer.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 29, 2026, while the arrest warrant remains in effect.