A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has granted Cecil Osakwe, a property developer, a final adjournment until March 17, 2025, for his arraignment on charges of alleged illegal eviction, criminal intimidation, threats to life, and property damage amounting to N300 million. Osakwe, along with Victor Giwa and Edith Erhunmuuse, faces a nine-count charge.
At the hearing, Giwa and Erhunmuuse were present, but Osakwe was absent for the fifth consecutive time, leading prosecution counsel M.O. Una to express concerns that Osakwe was avoiding arraignment and to request the court to compel his appearance.
Defence counsel Chibunna Odiniru submitted two applications, one challenging the court's jurisdiction and another seeking an adjournment, explaining that Osakwe was hospitalized abroad with life-threatening medical conditions and required eight weeks of intensive medical care, providing a doctor's report to support the claim.
Despite Una's argument that Osakwe had used medical reasons to seek adjournments in the past, Justice Samira Bature granted a final extension, warning that a warrant for Osakwe's arrest would be issued if he failed to appear at the next hearing.
The court also noted that Erhunmuuse appeared without legal representation again and was instructed to obtain counsel before the next hearing, with the prosecution directed to assist in ensuring she has adequate representation.
