” Court Loses Patience! Police Officer Declared Wanted After Allegedly Snubbing Trial for Over a Year “

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the arrest of a police officer, Edith Erhunmuuse, after she allegedly failed to appear in court repeatedly in connection with a high-profile criminal case involving the forceful eviction of residents and the destruction of property worth an estimated ₦300 million.

Justice Samira Bature, who presided over the matter at the FCT High Court in Maitama, issued the fresh bench warrant on Thursday, directing all law enforcement agencies across Nigeria to arrest the officer wherever she is found.

The prosecution, led by Aderonke Imana, told the court that despite previous orders, official letters to the FCT Commissioner of Police, and even directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Erhunmuuse had continued to ignore court summons and failed to present herself for arraignment.

According to the prosecution, the officer has allegedly stayed away from court proceedings for more than a year, while her co-defendants, Cecil Osakwe and Victor Giwa, have consistently attended hearings.

The trio is facing criminal charges linked to the alleged unlawful eviction of occupants from a property and the destruction of assets reportedly valued at about ₦300 million.

Imana urged the court to invoke the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 by issuing another warrant, arguing that the defendant’s repeated absence showed clear disregard for the judicial process.

Although counsel to the first defendant informed the court that settlement discussions were still ongoing, Justice Bature made it clear that the court would no longer tolerate delays.

Expressing strong dissatisfaction, the judge ruled that with the court vacation approaching, the matter could not be stalled any further because of one defendant’s refusal to appear.

She consequently issued a nationwide bench warrant, directing all law enforcement agencies to arrest Edith Erhunmuuse wherever she may be found, describing her continued absence as an act of disobedience and disrespect to the court.

The case has now been adjourned until September 29, when the trial is expected to continue. The court also warned that no further excuses for non-appearance would be entertained.