Abuja Lawyer Charged With Forgery Gets ₦30m Bail

An Abuja-based lawyer, Ibitade Bukola, alongside her co-defendant, Barrister Victor Giwa, facing charges of alleged document forgery and impersonation of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Awa Kalu, has been granted bail in the sum of ₦30 million by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo.

During the bail hearing, counsel to the second defendant, Ogbu Aboje, urged the court to admit his client to bail pending trial. He argued that the defendant posed no flight risk and would be available to stand trial.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Erisco Asaph, opposed the application, citing Sections 37 and 115 of the Evidence Act. He argued that granting bail would not serve the interest of justice and urged the court to disregard the counter-affidavit filed by the defence.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie ruled in favour of the bail application. The court granted the second defendant bail in the sum of ₦30 million, with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, residing within Abuja, and must present verifiable addresses and valid means of identification. Additionally, the defendant was ordered to deposit her international passport with the court.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, the court directed that the defendant remain in custody at the Suleja Correctional Facility.

The case was adjourned to October 30, 2025, for the continuation of trial.