FCT court orders police officer’s arrest over N300m eviction case

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Nigeria, has issued a new bench warrant for the arrest of a police officer, Edith Erhunwunse, due to her persistent absence from court proceedings. The case involves allegations of criminal eviction and property damage amounting to N300 million.

Justice Samira Bature ordered that law enforcement agencies apprehend Erhunwunse, who is on trial with property developer Cecil Osakwe and lawyer Victor Giwa. They face a nine-count charge including conspiracy, unlawful eviction, and malicious damage. The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired to unlawfully evict Asabe Waziri from her Maitama residence in 2022, carting away valuables worth N300 million.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly gained unlawful entry into the property with the assistance of other police officers, who are reportedly at large. The prosecution claims that cash, an international passport, and other valuables were removed from the residence. The defendants are also accused of breaking into the property without a court order, damaging doors, and removing belongings.

During a recent hearing, the prosecution noted that Erhunwunse had failed to appear in court despite previous directives, including those from the Inspector-General of Police. Citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the prosecution urged the court to issue another warrant, emphasizing that the defendant had ignored court processes for over a year. Justice Bature expressed concern about the delay, especially with the approaching court vacation, and granted the application for the arrest warrant, directing all security agencies to find and arrest the officer.

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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.