Legal Battle: Senior Advocate’s Reversal Threatens Integrity of Forgery Case Against Abuja Lawyer

Awa U. Kalu, SAN, who previously issued a formal disavowal of a forged letter used in an ongoing criminal prosecution, is now making statements that appear to contradict his earlier position and potentially undermine the case built upon that forgery.

The case stems from a document allegedly authored by Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola Olugbenga, which falsely bore the identity and letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN) & Partners.

That forged letter became the foundation of criminal charges brought by the Inspector General of Police before the FCT High Court, Apo, under Charge Number CR/150/25.

In a letter dated July 8, 2024, addressed to Deji Adeyanju & Partners, and reviewed by our correspondent, Kalu unequivocally dissociated himself and his law firm from the letter in question.

He stated: “Please be informed that the letter does not emanate from Awa U. Kalu (SAN) & Partners. The counsel whose seal appears on the letterhead has never been in the employment of, and is not currently associated with, our firm in any capacity.”This firm denial was central to the police investigation and the decision to prosecute those implicated in the alleged forgery and impersonation.

However, in a new development, Awa U. Kalu, SAN, has written another letter dated May 30, 2025, now asserting that he never submitted a formal complaint, thereby distancing himself from the ongoing trial.

The sudden shift in tone has raised concerns among legal observers and members of the Nigerian Bar.

A senior lawyer affiliated with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), after reviewing the relevant police documents and Kalu’s prior statement, expressed concern over the implications of this reversal:

“One begins to wonder if Awa U. Kalu is trying to protect the accused. Having disowned the letter and made a clear statement to the police, he should stand by the truth and support the prosecution.Let’s be clear, the power to investigate and prosecute a crime lies not with private individuals, but with law enforcement. When a serious offence like forgery and impersonation occurs—especially one involving attempts to mislead the Attorney General of the Federation—the Police need not seek his permission before a charge is filed. This matter rightly falls within the jurisdiction of the police and the courts.If Awa U. Kalu, SAN, now seeks to revise his position, the appropriate forum is the courtroom—not private correspondence or behind-the-scenes letters to the Inspector General of Police. The justice system must be allowed to operate without interference. Such conduct is unbecoming of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the principal defendant in the case, Victor Giwa, failed to appear in court for his scheduled arraignment and continues to evade the judicial process. Observers view this as a deliberate tactic to stall proceedings and mislead the public.

In a parallel development, the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has found a prima facie case of gross professional misconduct against both Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola Olugbenga. The allegations include forgery and impersonation.

Both individuals have submitted their defences, and a trial date is now awaited.As the matter proceeds to trial, legal experts stress that it is the duty of the courts—not individuals, regardless of rank—to determine the merits of a criminal charge.

The integrity of the justice system, particularly in matters involving legal practitioners, must remain sacrosanct.Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.