By Wellington Jopelo
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has taken over the prosecution of senior lawyer and human rights activist, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in an alleged property forgery case linked to a disputed property in the United Kingdom.
The takeover stalled Ozekhome’s planned arraignment after the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court that it had assumed control of the case earlier instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The AGF acted under powers granted by Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the Attorney-General to take over criminal prosecutions in the public interest.
Announcing the development in court, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said the decision was taken to allow a detailed review of the case file in collaboration with the ICPC. He explained that the aim was to ensure the prosecution meets required legal standards and follows due process, while also strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
Oyedepo assured the court that Ozekhome’s rights would be fully protected and that the matter would be handled professionally without prejudice to any party. He added that the move was part of inter-agency cooperation and proper oversight of prosecutions carried out in the name of the Federal Government.
He requested an adjournment to enable the Attorney-General’s office to retrieve and study the case file before deciding the next steps. The ICPC, through its counsel, confirmed it had no objection to the takeover and pledged full cooperation, noting that it conducted the investigation.
Justice Peter Kekemeke subsequently adjourned the case to February 24, 2026, for arraignment by agreement of all parties.
Ozekhome is facing charges relating to alleged forgery and use of false documents in connection with a property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London. The ICPC accused him of presenting forged documents, including a Nigerian international passport, during proceedings before a London tribunal to support a claim of ownership of the property.
The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed in August 2021, partly in London and partly in Abuja. The charges include knowingly receiving the property under circumstances said to amount to a felony, making a false passport, and using it as genuine to mislead a public authority.
Ozekhome, who is the sole defendant in the case, has not yet entered a plea.