AGF Withdraws Forgery Charges Against Mike Ozekhome

ABUJA — The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF) has formally withdrawn the criminal charges filed against prominent human rights lawyer Mike Ozekhome, SAN, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced the decision before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama on Tuesday. Oyedepo informed the court that the Attorney General intends to conduct a comprehensive review of the case to determine the most appropriate course of action moving forward.

Following the application by the DPPF which was not opposed by Ozekhome’s defense team led by Paul Erokoro, SAN Justice Peter Kekemeke struck out the three-count charge. The allegations against the senior advocate had included forgery, among other related offenses.

The move follows an earlier notice on January 29, when Oyedepo informed the court of the AGF’s decision to take over the prosecution from the ICPC. The Attorney General exercised this authority under Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the office to take over or discontinue criminal proceedings.

According to the DPPF, the decision to intervene was driven by the need to ensure the prosecution adheres to the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, and due process. The withdrawal marks a significant turn in the legal proceedings involving the high-profile constitutional lawyer.

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