The criminal charge was filed against senior advocate Mike Ozekhome over alleged forgery has been withdrawn by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
The withdrawal was announced on Tuesday by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, which is located in Maitama.
The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed Justice Peter Kekemeke that the Attorney General of the Federation had chosen to take a comprehensive look at the matter and identify the best course of action.
Following the application, which was not disputed by the defense team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), the court dismissed Ozekhome’s three-count allegation.
Ozekhome had been charged with forgery and other related offenses in a case initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission.
The ICPC filed a three-count criminal charge against Ozekhome at the FCT High Court in Abuja, accusing him of alleged fraud, forgery, and use of false documents in connection with a disputed property in London.
Prosecutors stated that the senior lawyer deliberately received a house at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, which he claimed was a gift, and then used a fraudulent Nigerian passport to back up his claim.
They claimed that both acts violated provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act and the FCT Penal Code.
On January 29, 2026, Oyedepo informed the court of the attorney general’s decision to take over the prosecution from the anti-graft agency.
He noted that the takeover was done in accordance with Section 174 of the Constitution, which gives the Attorney General of the Federation the authority to commence, take over, or cease criminal proceedings.
According to Oyedepo, the decision was made in consultation with the ICPC and is intended to ensure that the prosecution adheres to the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence, and due process.
He stated that the attorney general was motivated by public interest and the need to instill trust, fairness, and competence in the criminal justice system.
The DPPF also stated that inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption influenced the decision to take control of the situation.
He assured the court that the defendant’s rights would be protected and that no party would face injustice while the office reviewed the case.
Oyedepo then urged the court to take judicial notice of the Attorney General’s office’s formal takeover of the trial and requested an adjournment to allow for the retrieval and review of the case file from the International Criminal Police Commission.
Justice Kekemeke granted the application and dismissed the charge.
