The prosecution in the alleged forgery case involving Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa on Wednesday told a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo that a medical report presented by the defendant was not issued by the hospital indicated on the document.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, prosecuting counsel, Wisdom Madaki challenged the validity of medical records attached to an application filed by Giwa.

The application sought relief on health grounds and requested the temporary release of his international passport to facilitate medical treatment abroad.

Madaki informed the court that after receiving the application, the prosecution contacted General Hospital, Nyanya, to verify the medical report relied upon by the defendant. According to him, the hospital denied issuing the document.

The prosecutor further stated that Giwa subsequently filed a further affidavit containing another medical report said to have originated from the same hospital, prompting the prosecution to seek additional verification.

He therefore requested a brief adjournment to allow time for confirmation from the hospital or, alternatively, for the court to proceed with the substantive matter.

Giwa, who appeared in court, opposed the request. He argued that the prosecution was no longer entitled to respond to his application after he had filed a further and better affidavit.

The defendant also maintained that it would be unconstitutional for the prosecution to investigate a matter already before the court. He added that if any authority believed a document had been forged, it was at liberty to initiate a separate investigation.

Urging the court to consider his standing as a legal practitioner, Giwa asked that his passport be released to enable him seek medical attention.

In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie held that the application was ready for hearing and proceeded to entertain arguments from both parties.

Giwa subsequently adopted his motion and urged the court to disregard the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, arguing that the deponent relied on information supplied by an interested party.

Madaki, however, asked the court to dismiss the application.

The defendant also moved a separate application dated May 14, which was not opposed by the prosecution.

Meanwhile, Farooq Akanbi, counsel to Giwa, formally withdrew his representation in the matter. Akanbi apologised to the court for his conduct at the previous hearing, during which he left the courtroom before the judge arrived, leading to an adjournment.

He told the court that his action was not intended as a mark of disrespect and announced his decision to step aside so that Giwa could represent himself.

After hearing submissions from all parties, Justice Onwuegbuzie reserved ruling on the applications until June 22.

Giwa and Ibitade Bukola are facing trial over allegations of forgery and impersonation involving Awa Kalu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).