FCT High Court Orders Arrest of Police Officer in N300m Property Dispute

FCT High Court Orders Arrest of Police Officer in N300m Property Dispute Justice Samira Bature of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama has issued a fresh bench warrant for the arrest of a police officer, Edith Erhunwunse, following her repeated failure to appear in court for an ongoing criminal trial.

The warrant was issued in connection with an alleged N300 million property damage and unlawful eviction case. Erhunwunse is being tried alongside property developer Cecil Osakwe and lawyer Victor Giwa on a nine-count charge, which includes conspiracy and malicious damage.

The case stems from a 2022 incident involving the residence of Asabe Waziri on Mekong Street, Maitama. Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired to unlawfully evict the occupant without a valid court order and removed valuables, including cash and travel documents, valued at N300 million.

During the proceedings on Thursday, prosecution counsel Aderonke Imana informed the court that the police officer had ignored multiple court summons and directives from the Inspector-General of Police. Arguing that the defendant’s absence has stalled the trial, Imana invoked the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015 to request the warrant.

In her ruling, Justice Bature expressed frustration over the lack of progress in securing the officer’s attendance, noting that the court’s previous orders had been ignored for over two months.

“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,” the judge stated.

While the court remains open to an out-of-court settlement between the involved parties, the trial is set to continue on September 29, 2026. The judge warned that further non-compliance would not be tolerated.