The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a fresh bench warrant for the arrest of a police officer, Edith Erhunwunse, over her continued absence from proceedings in an alleged N300 million unlawful eviction and property damage case.
Justice Samira Bature made the order 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 N300 million.
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired to gain unlawful access to the property without the complainant’s consent and with the assistance of police officers said to be at large.
The prosecution further claimed that cash, an international passport and other valuables were removed from the residence and taken to an unknown destination.
At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel informed the court that despite an earlier bench warrant and communications to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, the third defendant had failed to appear before the court.
Imana told the court that the defendant allegedly ignored directives from the Inspector-General of Police and had remained absent for over a year, while other defendants continued to attend proceedings.
Citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the prosecution urged the court to issue another warrant for her arrest.
Ruling on the application, Justice Bature expressed concern over the lack of progress in securing the defendant’s appearance and noted that the approaching court vacation could further delay the matter.
“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,” the judge ruled.
The court also encouraged parties to continue exploring an out-of-court settlement and directed them to report the outcome at the next hearing.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 29, 2026, for continuation of trial, with the court warning that no further excuses for non-appearance would be entertained.
