AGF Takes Control Mike Ozekhome Case

AGF Takes Control Mike Ozekhome Case

The federal government has stepped into the ongoing case involving senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the prosecution from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in an Abuja High Court.

The move happened on the day Ozekhome was expected to be formally charged over alleged fraud linked to a property matter in the United Kingdom.

Lawyers from both sides were already present when the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation announced the takeover on behalf of the Attorney General.

The decision was explained as part of the Attorney General’s constitutional powers and was said to be guided by public interest.

The prosecution stated that the aim is to ensure fairness, due process and confidence in the justice system, while also protecting the rights of the defendant.

The Attorney General’s office asked for time to obtain and review the case file from the anti-graft agency before moving forward.

The request was not opposed, as the ICPC confirmed its readiness to cooperate fully, having carried out the investigation.
The court later fixed February 24 for arraignment, allowing time for proper preparation.

The charges include allegations of receiving a London property, creating a false passport document, and using that document to back a property ownership claim, offences which Ozekhome is yet to answer to in court.