Justice Samira Bature of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, has issued a fresh bench warrant directing law enforcement agencies to arrest a police officer, Edith Erhunwunse, over her absence from proceedings in an alleged N300m criminal eviction and property damage case.
The court further directed all law enforcement agencies to arrest her wherever seen.
The order was made in suit number FCT/HC/CR/222/2023 following an application by the prosecution, led by Aderonke Imana.
Erhunwunse is standing trial alongside property developer Cecil Osakwe and Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful eviction and malicious damage.
The Federal Government alleged that the defendants unlawfully evicted one Asabe Waziri from her residence on Mekong Street, Maitama, Abuja, in 2022 and carted away valuables worth N300m.
At the resumed hearing on the matter, Imana informed the court that Erhunmuuse was still not in court in spite of the previous order of arrest issued by the court.
Imana told the court that the previous bench warrant had been issued against Erhunmuuse and letters were sent to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command.
” Yet the defendant failed to appear inspite of the directives of the Inspector-General of Police,” Imana said.
Citing Section 353 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, she urged the court to issue another warrant.
She argued that the defendant had ignored court proceedings for over one year while other defendants had continued to attend proceedings.
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Counsel for the first defendant, A.S Usman told the court that the settlement which was discussed at the last sitting was still ongoing.
The 2nd defendant, Victor Giwa who represented himself, aligned with Usman’s submission.
Ruling on the application, Justice Bature expressed her displeasure over the attitude of Erhunmuuse.
“The court is approaching its vacation time and cannot further delay the matter including the order of arrest against the 3rd defendant,” she held.
“The court hereby issues a bench warrant to all law enforcement agencies for the arrest of the third defendant, wherever she may be found, for showing disobedience and disrespect to this court,” Justice Bature held.
The order was made pursuant to Section 352 of the ACJA 2015.
Meanwhile, the court encouraged parties to continue exploring an out-of-court settlement, directing them to report back on the outcome at the next adjourned date.
Justice Bature then adjourned the matter until Sept 29, for continuation of trial, warning that there will be no further excuses for non-appearance.
NAN
