The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken over the prosecution of the criminal case instituted against senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).
The development on Monday stalled Ozekhome’s planned arraignment before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over a three-count charge filed by the ICPC, in which he is accused, among other allegations, of forgery.
When the matter was called, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), announced his appearance for the AGF and informed the court of the decision of the Attorney General to assume conduct of the case from the anti-graft agency.
Oyedepo explained that the AGF acted pursuant to his constitutional powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers him to institute, take over, and discontinue criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria.
He added that the decision was taken in collaboration with the ICPC and was aimed at ensuring proper coordination and effective prosecution of the matter.
Following the disclosure, proceedings in the case were put on hold to enable the court take note of the change in prosecutorial authority.
The court is expected to fix a new date for Ozekhome’s arraignment after the formal takeover process is concluded.
The ICPC had filed the charges against the senior advocate over alleged criminal conduct, which he has consistently denied.
