The Nigerian Police Force has come under scrutiny for proceeding with the prosecution of Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Victor Giwa, on charges of forgery, despite a formal clarification from Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Awa Kalu, that no such forgery ever occurred and that he never filed a complaint against Giwa.
Giwa is currently facing Charge No. CR/150/25 before the FCT High Court, where he is accused of forging the official letterhead of “Awa U. Kalu (SAN) & Partners” — formerly “Awa U. Kalu (SAN) & Associates” in a purported communication with the Attorney General of the Federation.
The lawyer was reportedly arrested last week after attending a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Police at Zone 2, where a separate matter was under investigation. According to sources, the Officer-in-Charge (Legal) allegedly informed Giwa that his detention was based on a court order.
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He was said to have been detained for allegedly evading arraignment in the matter between himself and the Inspector General of Police.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 2, Lagos, SP Umma Ayuba, later confirmed his arrest, stating, “He is at the Zone presently for an interview with the said team.”
In a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Prof. Kalu categorically denied ever filing a complaint or raising an allegation of forgery against Giwa.
“I wish to inform you that the internet is agog with news that a charge is preferred against the above-named gentleman, indicating that he forged my official headed paper,” the letter read.
“Please note that I have neither filed a complaint nor have I incidented a report at any Police Station in Nigeria indicating that Mr. Victor Giwa forged my official headed paper.”
The senior advocate’s statement has been viewed as undercutting the foundation of the case, since the alleged forgery charge is premised on the unauthorized use of his firm’s letterhead.
In his own correspondence to the Inspector General, dated May 23, 2025, Giwa urged the police chief to investigate allegations of financial inducement that may have influenced the decision to charge him.
He specifically called for a probe into the actions of the Commissioner of Police, Legal Services, Chiozoba Oyakhire Ehiede, and one Ms. Asabe Waziri, a staff member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Giwa alleged that they were connected to what he described as a frivolous and malicious charge filed against him and another individual.
Observers say the continued prosecution of Giwa, in the face of Prof. Kalu’s unequivocal denial of any forgery complaint, could erode public confidence in the justice system and embolden calls for reform of police prosecutorial practices.
