Nigeria, Sept. 16 -- The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, on Monday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two lawyers over their failure to appear for their scheduled arraignment.

The two lawyers - Victor Giwa and Ibitade Bukola - were charged by the police with three counts of forgery and impersonation.

Judge Jude Onwuegbuzie issued the bench warrant following the defendants' absence from court on Monday.

Mr Giwa was earlier absent from the earlier scheduled arraignment in May, citing the death of two of his sisters.

On Monday, defence lawyer, Ogbu Aboje, informed the court that his clients were absent due to medical reasons.

Mr Giwa submitted a letter, stating that he had degenerative disc disease of the lu...