Human rights lawyer Barrister Victor Giwa has explained his attempt to seek an audience with the judge handling his case, saying the move was done in the company of other counsel and in line with professional conduct rules.

Giwa, who is both counsel and a defendant in the matter, is standing trial alongside Bukola Ibitade before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. The police are prosecuting the defendants over the alleged forgery of the letterhead of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.

However, Chief Kalu has denied the allegation. In a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Kalu stated that he neither filed a complaint nor accused Giwa or Ibitade of forging his firm’s letterhead.

Despite the denial, the police proceeded with the prosecution.

When the case came up on Monday, January 12, 2026, Giwa addressed the court regarding reports that he attempted to see the judge privately in chambers.

He explained that he informed the court registrar of his intention to seek an audience with the judge alongside the prosecutor, Mr. Theophilous Silas, and counsel to the second defendant, Mr. Aboje.

According to Giwa, the registrar relayed the request to the judge, but the request was declined.

Giwa further stated that he had notified the prosecutor of the plan, but the prosecutor later declined to participate after asking about the purpose of the meeting.

“I sought the consent of the prosecutor and the second defendant to see my Lord in chambers with other counsel in this matter,” Giwa told the court.

“After obtaining their consent and informing the registrar, the prosecutor later said he no longer wished to be part of it. The registrar did not ask me the purpose of the meeting, but had he done so, I would have explained.”

Giwa maintained that his action was guided by courtesy and the rules of professional conduct, insisting there was nothing improper about the request.

In his response, Justice Onwuegbuzie warned that he would not tolerate such conduct, stating that he raised the issue publicly during proceedings to ensure clarity for all parties involved.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, Giwa questioned the judge’s handling of the case, alleging bias.

“I wonder the kind of interest Justice Onwuegbuzie has in my matter that despite renovation work going on in the court building, he still sat,” Giwa said.

“In fact, I had it on good authority that he sat because of my matter,” he added, alleging that the judge was intent on jailing him.