Justice Samira Bature of the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has issued a fresh bench warrant directing all law enforcement agencies to arrest a police officer, Edith Erhunwuse, over her continued absence from proceedings in an alleged N300 million criminal eviction and property damage suit.

The order was made in the suit marked, FCT/HC/CR/222/2023 following an application by the prosecution, led by Aderonke Imana.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday prosecution counsel informed the court that a previous bench warrant had been issued against the 3rd defendant and letters were sent to the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, but the defendant failed to appear despite alleged directives from the Inspector-General of Police.

Citing Section 353 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, Imana urged the court to issue another warrant, arguing that the defendant had ignored court processes for over a year while other defendants had continued to attend proceedings. She submitted that where a defendant is properly served and fails to appear without reasonable excuse, the court is empowered to order arrest.

Ruling on the application, Justice Bature expressed concern that despite the passage of two months since the earlier order, there had been no progress, noting that the approaching court vacation could further delay the matter.

The judge consequently granted the application and ordered all security agencies to arrest the third defendant wherever she may be found.

“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.

The court adjourned the matter to September 29, 2026, for continuation of trial, warning that there would be no further excuses for non-appearance.

A.S. Usman represented the first defendant, while A.K. Musa appeared as watching brief counsel for the nominal complainant.

The second defendant, Abuja lawyer Victor Giwa, represented himself.

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