By EDITH NWAPI

Justice Samira Bature of a FCT high court, Maitama on Thursday ordered for the arrest of Edith Erhunmuuse, a police officer for evading arraignment.

The court further directed all law enforcement agencies to arrest her where ever seen.

The judge granted the warrant after the Prosecution Counsel, Aderonke Imana prayed for the order of court.

The defendants in the charge marked, FCT/HC/CR/222/2023 are Cecil Osakwe, Victor Giwa, and Erhunmuuse and are charged with a-criminal conduct involving the forceful eviction of occupants and damage to property to the tune of N300 million.

At the resumed hearing on the matter, Imana informed the court that Erhunmuuse was still not in court in spite of the previous order of arrest issued by the court.

Imana told the court that the previous bench warrant had been issued against Erhunmuuse and letters were sent to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command.

“Yet, the defendant failed to appear in spite of the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.”

Citing Section 353 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, she urged the court to issue another warrant.

She argued that the defendant had ignored court proceedings for over one year while other defendants had continued to attend proceedings.

Counsel for the first defendant, A.S Usman told the court that the settlement which was discussed at the last sitting was still ongoing.

The 2nd defendant, Victor Giwa who represented himself, aligned with Usman’s submission.

Ruling on the application, Justice Bature expressed her displeasure over the attitude of Erhunmuuse.

“The court is approaching its vacation time and cannot further delay the matter including the order of arrest against the 3rd defendant,” she held.

“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,” Justice Bature held.

The order was made pursuant to Section 352 of the ACJA 2015.

Meanwhile, the court encouraged parties to continue exploring an out-of-court settlement, directing them to report back on the outcome at the next adjourned date.

Justice Bature then adjourned the matter until Sept 29, for continuation of trial, warning that there will be no further excuses for non-appearance. (NAN)

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