AGF Takes Over Prosecution of Mike Ozekhome in Forgery Case Linked to London Property
Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has formally assumed control of the criminal prosecution of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome. The development occurred during proceedings at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, leading to the adjournment of the planned arraignment to 24 February 2026.
The prosecution, originally instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), involves allegations of forgery and the use of false documents in connection with a disputed property in the United Kingdom. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, representing the AGF, informed the court that the takeover was effected pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to ensure the matter is handled with the highest standards of diligence and compliance with due process.
Background of the Property Dispute
The case follows a 2025 finding by the London First-Tier Tribunal, which concluded that the dispute over the Randall Avenue property involved "forgery and deception." The tribunal ruled that the true owner of the property was the late Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni, who allegedly operated through a false identity.
The ICPC's investigation was reportedly triggered by a petition from the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), which alleged the fabrication of National Identity Numbers (NIN) and other records to facilitate the fraudulent ownership claim.
Procedural Shifts and Legal Representation
During the proceedings, the intervention of the AGF’s office was formalised, signaling the executive branch's direct oversight of the litigation. The court was informed of the need for the new prosecutorial team to review the case file and ensure all legal requirements are met before the formal reading of charges.
The defense team, led by senior counsel, acknowledged the entry of the AGF into the matter. Legal experts note that such interventions are typically intended to ensure the public interest is served and to maintain the integrity of the judicial process in high-profile cases involving senior members of the bar.
Court Adjournment and Timeline
Presiding over the matter, the court noted the developments and the consensus between the parties regarding the need for a brief hiatus to allow the AGF's office to familiarise itself with the evidence and charges. Consequently, the court vacated the current date and shifted the arraignment to 24 February 2026.
This delay provides both the prosecution and the defense additional time to refine their arguments. For the AGF’s office, this period is critical for determining the specific direction of the charges and whether any amendments to the existing proof of evidence are necessary.
Context of the Case
The case involving Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has attracted significant attention within the Nigerian legal community and the broader public. While the specific details of the charges remain subject to the formal arraignment, the involvement of the Attorney General underscores the high-level legal scrutiny surrounding the matter.
Adhering to the principles of fair hearing, the court has emphasized that all parties must be fully prepared by the next adjourned date to ensure that the trial proceeds without further interlocutory delays.
The assumption of the case by the Attorney General of the Federation centralises the prosecution under the Ministry of Justice, a move that often precedes a more rigorous legal evaluation of the case merits. As the legal community awaits the 24 February 2026 court appearance, the focus remains on the procedural transparency and the adherence to the rule of law in the prosecution of high-profile legal professionals.
