The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation has withdrawn the criminal charge filed against senior advocate Mike Ozekhome over alleged forgery.
The withdrawal was announced on Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told Justice Peter Kekemeke that the Attorney General had decided to review the case and determine the most appropriate action.
The defence team, led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), did not oppose the application, and the court struck out the three-count charge against Ozekhome.
Ozekhome had been arraigned on allegations of forgery and other offences in a case initially filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC accused Ozekhome of fraud, forgery, and using false documents related to a disputed property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which he claimed was a gift.
Prosecutors said he allegedly used a forged Nigerian passport to support his claim, which they argued violated the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the FCT Penal Code.
On January 29, 2026, Oyedepo notified the court that the Attorney General had taken over the prosecution from the ICPC, citing Section 174 of the Constitution.
Section 174 empowers the Attorney General to institute, take over, or discontinue criminal proceedings in the public interest.
Oyedepo said the takeover was aimed at ensuring the prosecution meets the highest standards of efficiency, diligence, and compliance with due process.
He added that the decision considered public interest, fairness, and the need to instill confidence in the criminal justice system.
Inter-agency cooperation in fighting corruption was also a factor in the Attorney General’s decision.
Oyedepo assured the court that Ozekhome’s rights would be protected and that no party would suffer injustice during the review.
He asked the court to take judicial notice of the formal takeover and sought an adjournment to retrieve and review the case file from the ICPC.
Justice Kekemeke granted the application and formally struck out the charges against Ozekhome.
The withdrawal marks a significant development in the high-profile case and underscores the Attorney General’s oversight powers in criminal proceedings.
Authorities said the decision aims to ensure that prosecution is fair, thorough, and in accordance with constitutional provisions.
Ozekhome’s legal team welcomed the development, noting that the court’s action brings clarity and closure to the matter.
The AGF’s office confirmed that the case will continue to be reviewed to determine any further legal steps in line with public interest.