A fresh wave of public outrage is mounting as victims of alleged fraudulent property takeovers and unlawful evictions speak out against Barrister Victor Giwa, accusing him of using media propaganda to escape accountability in multiple ongoing criminal trials.
One of his most vocal accusers, Ms. Uche Ibeto, widely known as The Jigida Queen, held a press briefing in Lagos today, reiterating her call for the controversial lawyer to “face his trial in court rather than stage emotional performances in the media.”
Giwa is currently facing charges before the High Court of the FCT, Abuja, alongside his associate Cecil Ezem Osakwe, over allegations of forgery, unlawful eviction, impersonation, and malicious damage in a matter involving Abuja-based property owner Ms. Asabe Waziri. This case, among others, has drawn national attention to what appears to be a growing trend of coordinated property-grabbing schemes masked in legal clothing.
In recent days, videos circulated online of Victor Giwa tearfully alleging persecution by the judiciary and the police. But victims say these are nothing but deliberate attempts to manipulate public sympathy and derail ongoing cases.
“Instead of answering to the charges in court, he has resorted to blackmail, emotional theatrics, and misinformation,” Ibeto said. “He hides under the guise of a human rights activist, but victims like myself and Ms. Waziri know him as a serial violator of rights, not a defender.”
According to her, Giwa’s tactics are aimed at intimidating the judiciary, confusing the public, and undermining investigations—behaviour she calls “a direct attack on the rule of law.”
The Lagos Eviction That Sparked Outrage
Ibeto detailed her own ordeal, describing how she was forcibly evicted from her late mother’s home at 36 Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere on 15 August 2025 in what she alleges was an unlawful execution of a fraudulently obtained judgment by Victor Giwa.
She claims Giwa stormed the property at dawn with over 50 thugs, sheriffs, and policemen, throwing her out “while I was still in my nightwear,” and causing the loss and destruction of properties worth over ₦500 million, including valuable creative works and equipment.
Ibeto insists that neither she nor the legitimate tenants were parties to the case used to justify the eviction. Her sister, who was listed as a defendant, has also denied any knowledge of the suit or sale of the property.
The Jigida Queen laid out a long list of alleged irregularities, inconsistencies, and forged documents used in the court process that led to the controversial Surulere eviction, including:
• Fraudulent service of court processes
• Fabricated affidavits
• Use of fake or unrelated title documents
• Filing of court processes allegedly prepared by the same lawyer on both sides
• Undated agreements with no evidence of consideration
• A judgment obtained and executed with unusual speed
Investigations at the Lagos Lands Registry reportedly revealed that a title document presented in court corresponded to an entirely different property in Idimu, belonging to another person.
She says these findings, alongside the activities at the Abuja trial, point to a coordinated criminal enterprise involving multiple actors masquerading as legal professionals.
Ibeto also alleged that efforts to investigate the matter were obstructed by a senior police officer, whom she claims has ties to one of the accused.
Despite police directives to halt all activities at the Surulere property pending investigation, Giwa and Osakwe allegedly returned with thugs to continue construction, further escalating tensions.
“This is not a family misunderstanding,” she stressed. “This is a crime against the state. If people like this are allowed to operate freely, then no Nigerian is safe.”
Ibeto expressed solidarity with Ms. Asabe Waziri, who is pursuing her own legal battle against Giwa and Osakwe in Abuja.
“Her courage gives me strength. We are victims of the same people, the same tactics, the same pattern of abuse. Their media lies cannot silence us,” she said.
The musician called on:
• The Lagos State Government
• The Chief Justice of Nigeria
• The Inspector General of Police
• The Attorney General of the Federation
• The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
• The National Assembly
• The National Judicial Council (NJC)
to intervene urgently and ensure that all petitions, documents, and evidence are duly investigated, and that the accused persons are held accountable.
“No one,” she said, “should be above the law, not even those who hide behind court robes while violating every principle the legal profession stands for.”
“Face Your Trial, Not the Cameras”
Concluding her statement, Ibeto declared:
“Victor Giwa should stop his campaign of calumny, stop smearing victims, stop intimidating institutions, and face his trials. Let him defend himself in a court of law, not in online videos or emotional press releases. The victims will not be silenced.
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