AGF Withdraws Charges Against Ozekhome in Alleged Forgery Case

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) has withdrawn criminal charges against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome, originally filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

At a hearing on Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, informed the court that the AGF intends to review the case in full before deciding the appropriate course of action.

Following Oyedepo’s request, which the defence team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN) did not contest, Justice Peter Kekemeke struck out the three-count charge, including allegations of forgery.

Oyedepo noted that the AGF’s decision to take over the case, announced on January 29, is grounded in Section 174 of the Constitution and coordinated with the ICPC. He emphasized that the move aims to ensure the prosecution meets high standards of diligence, efficiency, and adherence to due process.

Highlighting public interest, Oyedepo said the AGF’s intervention is meant to reinforce confidence and fairness in the criminal justice system, while also strengthening interagency cooperation in anti-corruption efforts.

He assured the court that Ozekhome’s rights would be fully protected and that no party would be subject to injustice. The court granted an adjournment to allow the AGF’s office to retrieve the case file from the ICPC, review it, and determine the next steps.