“‘I Cried Over Nigerian Justice’ — Lawyer Accuses Judge of Bias”

An Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, has raised serious concerns over what he described as “judicial absurdity” allegedly exhibited by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Apo.

Giwa is a defendant in a criminal case marked CR/150/25, Inspector General of Police v. Victor Giwa and others, currently pending before Justice Onwuegbuzie.

Addressing journalists on Thursday, Giwa recounted a harrowing experience during proceedings on November 12, 2025, describing the day as “very sad and unfortunate.”

“Yesterday was a very sad and unfortunate day for me. I cried because I didn’t know that the Nigerian justice system has gotten this bad,” Giwa said. “I saw one yet again with Hon. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court 30, Apo, before whom I am standing trial.”

Giwa alleged that the trial has been “nothing but an arrangement sponsored by one Asabe Waziri and facilitated by a senior lawyer and some persons in the office of the Chief Judge of FCT.”

According to him, the case was scheduled for the cross-examination of PW1 (Asabe Waziri), and he was ready to proceed, as was the prosecuting counsel. However, he observed that Asabe Waziri refused to approach the witness box, remaining seated.

At that point, the judge reportedly interjected, noting a Motion on Notice seeking his recusal from the case. Giwa said:

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“My Lord insisted on taking the motion first. I informed the Court that I had not said anything about the Motion, and as a matter of fact, I was not interested in it yet. His Lordship, however, insisted that he would take the Motion on Notice to recuse himself.”

Giwa explained that he had four pending motions in the court docket, including one challenging the court’s jurisdiction, yet the judge was focused on the recusal motion. Shockingly, Giwa alleged that Justice Onwuegbuzie began delivering a prepared ruling before he could address the application.

“I almost fainted in the court. I gasped for breath. I shouted that I was fainting. It was like a movie. The Hon. Judge was neck-deep into the arena. The honourable judge must deliver as instructed. The court must deal with me. Nothing should stop him, as I was informed that the Honourable Chief Judge personally has interest in the matter and that I should be sent to jail,” Giwa stated.

Without hearing submissions from either the defence or prosecution, Giwa said the trial judge proceeded to rule that he had no interest in the case and that the trial must continue at all costs.

Giwa concluded by saying that although he has no godfathers or senior lawyers and judges, he possesses conscience, which he believes many in the judiciary have lost. “Nigeria must protect its conscience. We must save our Judiciary,” he stressed.

The police, in their counter-motion before the court, dismissed Giwa’s claims.