The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) has withdrawn the criminal charge filed against senior advocate Mike Ozekhome over alleged forgery.
The development was announced on Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed Justice Peter Kekemeke that the Attorney General had decided to take a holistic review of the case to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Following the application, which was not opposed by Ozekhome’s defence team led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), the court struck out the three-count charge against the senior lawyer.
Ozekhome had been arraigned on allegations of forgery and related offences in a case initially instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The ICPC had accused him of fraud, forgery, and using false documents in connection with a disputed property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX. Prosecutors claimed Ozekhome had allegedly used a forged Nigerian passport to support his claim of ownership.
On January 29, 2026, Oyedepo notified the court of the Attorney General’s decision to assume control of the prosecution from the ICPC, citing Section 174 of the Constitution, which empowers the Attorney General of the Federation to institute, take over, or discontinue criminal proceedings.
According to Oyedepo, the decision, taken in collaboration with the ICPC, was aimed at ensuring the prosecution meets the highest standards of diligence, efficiency, and compliance with due process. He said public interest, fairness, and confidence in the criminal justice system guided the Attorney General’s actions.
The DPPF also highlighted that inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption was a key consideration, assuring the court that the rights of the defendant would be protected during the review.
Oyedepo requested the court take judicial notice of the formal takeover and adjourn the trial to allow for retrieval and examination of the case file from the ICPC.
Justice Kekemeke granted the application and struck out the charges against Ozekhome.
