Awa Kalu SAN Clears Air on Victor Giwa Case, Says No Complaint Was Filed
Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Awa U. Kalu, has formally distanced himself from the ongoing criminal prosecution of Abuja-based lawyer, Victor Giwa, over alleged forgery and impersonation. In a letter dated May 30, 2025, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Prof. Kalu clarified that he neither filed a complaint nor reported Mr. Giwa for allegedly forging his firm’s letterhead.
The letter comes in response to Charge No. CR/150/25 instituted by the police, in which Mr. Giwa is accused of forging the official letterhead of “Awa U. Kalu (SAN) & Partners”—formerly “Awa U. Kalu (SAN) & Associates”—to communicate with the Attorney General of the Federation.
Prof. Kalu wrote: “I wish to inform you that the internet is agog with news that a charge is preferred against the above named gentleman, indicating that he forged my official headed paper.
Please note that I have neither filed a complaint nor have I incidented a report at any Police Station in Nigeria indicating that Mr. Victor Giwa forged my official headed paper.”
The clarification by Prof. Kalu significantly undercuts the foundation of the forgery allegation, which reportedly hinges on the unauthorized use of his firm’s name and letterhead. His statement suggests there was no formal accusation from the primary party whose identity was allegedly misused.
Legal analysts now question the legitimacy—and potential ulterior motives—of the police’s decision to file such a sensitive criminal case without consulting or securing a complaint from the alleged “victim.”
Victor Giwa has maintained his innocence, insisting that the letter in question was issued within the bounds of a legitimate legal relationship and did not involve any act of deception or forgery.
A lawyer and a member of Nigerian Bar Association Garki branch member who spoke to BarristerNG on the condition of anonymity wondered why the Police will charge a defendant to Court without a Petition or official complaint from a complainant.
“Given the absence of a petition from Awa Kalu SAN and his clear disapproval of the police’s criminal framing, one wonders who will benefit from these charges, and why now?”…. he said.
