Abuja Lawyer Goes on Rant Against Illegal Eviction Victim, Raising Alarms Over His Stability

In a disturbing incident on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Victor Giwa, a disqualified candidate for the Garki Branch chairmanship, took to the branch’s legal platform to launch a shocking tirade against a victim of an illegal eviction—an eviction he himself spearheaded for personal gain. Giwa was disqualified in June 2024 due to unethical conduct during his campaign for branch leadership, a move by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to uphold the integrity of the legal profession. The NBA has long emphasized that lawyers seeking leadership must demonstrate the highest professional standards.

Our investigation revealed that Giwa’s outburst stems from deep resentment following his disqualification by the NBA Election Appeals Committee after a petition from Ms. Asabe Waziri. During his rant, Giwa made several baseless accusations, leaving his colleagues in shock. Many expressed concern over his increasingly erratic behavior, with one lawyer, who requested anonymity, suggesting that Giwa’s actions could be linked to the growing stress of his legal troubles. “He’s becoming unstable,” the lawyer said. “This kind of outburst on a legal platform is completely inappropriate—it’s possible the pressure is getting to him.”

Giwa is set to be arraigned on Monday, October 28, 2024, alongside his client Cecil Osakwe before the FCT High Court. He also faces multiple cases before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), further complicating his situation.

This incident highlights the urgent need for the NBA leadership to wield the big stick and checkmate errant lawyers who drag the name of the legal profession into the mud. The legal community must remain vigilant in upholding the values of justice, fairness, and integrity. Lawyers are entrusted with safeguarding these principles, not exploiting them for personal gain. The pursuit of money or power should never overshadow the commitment to ethical conduct. It is essential that the NBA ensures accountability to maintain trust in the legal system and protect its reputation.