An Abuja High Court on Wednesday granted bail to lawyer Ibitade Bukola, answering charges of forgery and impersonation. The judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, set her bail at ₦30 million and outlined strict conditions for her release.
The case has drawn public attention since prosecutors accused Bukola and her co-defendant, Victor Giwa, of forging legal documents and impersonating a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Awa Kalu .
The prosecution claims the defendants falsified legal papers for personal gain, a charge both lawyers firmly deny.
Earlier on October 8, the court granted bail to Giwa but refused Bukola’s request because she had not submitted a written bail application. That decision sparked debate in legal circles about fair treatment and equal application of justice.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Bukola’s lawyer, Mr. Ogbu Aboje, urged the court to grant his client bail, stressing that she has a permanent residence in Abuja and no record of skipping court appearances. He argued that Bukola would cooperate fully with the authorities and attend all trial sessions.
Aboje told the court, “My client is a legal practitioner who respects the rule of law. She will not evade trial and deserves bail like her co-defendant.”
In response, prosecuting counsel Eristo Asaph urged the judge to reject the bail plea. He cited Sections 37 and 115 of the Evidence Act, claiming that the charges against Bukola involve serious offences that could influence witnesses or obstruct justice if she regains freedom.
“The prosecution believes granting bail at this stage will not serve the interest of justice,” Asaph argued. He also asked the court to disregard the counter-affidavit filed by the defence, describing it as an attempt to weaken the case.
After reviewing submissions from both sides, Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled in favour of Bukola. The judge said the defence had provided sufficient assurance that the defendant would appear for trial and not interfere with the investigation.
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Under the bail conditions, Bukola must present two sureties who are civil servants not below Grade Level 16. The sureties must live within Abuja, provide verifiable home addresses, and submit valid means of identification.
The court also ordered Bukola to deposit her international passport to prevent any attempt to travel abroad before the trial. Until she meets all bail requirements, she will remain at the Suleja Correctional Facility.
Justice Onwuegbuzie emphasized that bail does not amount to acquittal, reminding both parties that the trial will determine guilt or innocence. He then adjourned the case to October 30 for the commencement of trial proceedings.
The forgery and impersonation allegations against Bukola and Giwa continue to generate interest within the legal community. Many observers view the case as a test of professional ethics among legal practitioners and a measure of judicial fairness in handling internal misconduct within the bar.
If convicted, both defendants could face several years in prison under Nigerian criminal law. The upcoming trial is expected to reveal more details about the alleged forged documents and the circumstances surrounding the impersonation claims.
