…Ex-AGF Agabi leads 15 SANs for defence
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken over the prosecution of the criminal case filed against senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The takeover halted Ozekhome’s planned arraignment on Monday before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on a three-count charge bordering on alleged forgery.
When the matter was mentioned, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that he was representing the AGF and formally notified it of the decision to assume control of the case from the ICPC.
Oyedepo said the AGF was exercising his constitutional powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, adding that the move was part of a collaborative effort with the ICPC.
According to him, the decision was taken to ensure that the prosecution meets the highest standards of effectiveness, diligence, efficiency, and strict compliance with due process.
He noted that the AGF was guided by public interest considerations aimed at promoting confidence, fairness, and competence in the criminal justice system, as well as strengthening inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption.
Oyedepo assured the court that Ozekhome’s rights would be fully protected and that no party would suffer any form of injustice. He subsequently asked the court to take judicial notice of the formal takeover of the case by the Office of the AGF.
He then applied for an adjournment to enable the AGF’s office to retrieve the case file from the ICPC, review it, and determine the next steps.
Counsel to the ICPC, Osuebeni Akpomisingha, who filed the charge, did not oppose the takeover. He assured the court that the commission would cooperate fully with the AGF’s office in prosecuting the matter.
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who is leading a 15-member team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria for the defence, also raised no objection to the development.
Following an unopposed application for adjournment, Justice Peter Kekemeke adjourned the case to February 24 for arraignment.
The charges
In the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/010/2026, Ozekhome is accused of:
Allegedly receiving a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, in August 2021 from one Mr. Shani Tali, an act said to constitute a felony under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Allegedly making a false Nigerian passport bearing the name of Mr. Shani Tali with the intent to use it to support a claim of ownership of the London property, contrary to provisions of the Penal Code applicable in the FCT.
Allegedly using the said false passport as a genuine document despite knowing or having reason to believe it was forged, also contrary to the Penal Code.
The case resumes on February 24.
