A human rights lawyer, Barrister Victor Giwa, has asked a Federal Capital Territory High Court to grant him permission to travel abroad for medical treatment in order to properly defend himself in a forgery case filed against him by the Inspector-General of Police.
Giwa made the request in a motion filed at the court registry, where he is seeking the release of his international passport to enable him undergo treatment in the United Kingdom.
He alleged that delays in hearing his application have affected his medical appointments overseas, claiming he has missed scheduled consultations with his doctor in the UK.
According to him, his health condition requires urgent attention, citing serious hypertension and heart-related complications that he said could lead to severe medical emergencies if not properly managed.
He stated that he intends to travel for about two weeks in July 2026 to receive treatment under the care of his family and medical specialists, saying the trip is necessary to prevent possible health risks such as stroke or cardiac arrest.
Giwa also expressed concern over what he described as repeated delays in the hearing of his application, insisting that the situation is affecting his ability to manage his health and prepare his defence.
In the criminal charge, the police accused him of allegedly forging the letterhead of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Awa Kalu.
However, Chief Awa Kalu reportedly wrote to the Inspector-General of Police denying that he ever filed a complaint or reported Giwa for forgery or impersonation, and clarified that the allegation did not originate from him.
Despite this clarification, the police proceeded with the prosecution, according to court filings.
The matter continues before the court.
