FG withdraws alleged forgery charge against Ozekhome

The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal charge filed against senior lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) intends to conduct a comprehensive review of the matter before determining the appropriate course of action.

Oyedepo explained that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) had earlier taken over the prosecution from the ICPC, acting pursuant to the powers conferred under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution. He noted that the decision was made in collaboration with the anti-corruption agency and in consideration of inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption.

According to him, the move was aimed at ensuring that the prosecution meets the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence, and strict adherence to due process.

“The decision was guided by public interest to instill confidence, fairness, and competence in the criminal justice system,” Oyedepo told the court, assuring that the defendant’s rights would be fully protected and that no party would suffer injustice.

Following the application by the Federal Government, the defence team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN) did not object.

Justice Peter Kekemeke subsequently struck out the three-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and related offences.

Oyedepo also requested the court to take judicial notice of the formal takeover of the case by the AGF’s office and sought an adjournment to allow time to retrieve and review the case file from the ICPC before deciding on the next steps.