The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has withdrawn the criminal charges filed against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, bringing the high-profile forgery case to an abrupt halt.
The development was announced on Tuesday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Maitama, during proceedings before Justice Peter Kekemeke.
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that the Attorney General had decided to undertake a comprehensive review of the matter to determine the most appropriate legal course of action.
“The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation has opted to conduct a thorough review of this case to ensure that the appropriate legal steps are taken,” Oyedepo told the court.
The application was not opposed by Ozekhome’s defence team, led by Paul Erokoro (SAN). Following the request, Justice Kekemeke struck out the three-count charge against the senior lawyer.
Ozekhome had been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on allegations of forgery, fraud and the use of false documents linked to a disputed property at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX.
Prosecutors alleged that he used a forged Nigerian passport to support his claim of ownership of the property, actions said to contravene provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act and the FCT Penal Code.
The AGF’s office formally took over the prosecution from the ICPC on January 29, 2026, invoking Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Attorney General to institute, assume, or discontinue criminal proceedings.
Oyedepo explained that the decision to review the case was taken in consultation with the ICPC to ensure “the highest standards of diligence, fairness and due process.”
He added that considerations of public interest, inter-agency cooperation and the need to strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system informed the move.
“The rights of the defendant will be fully protected, and no injustice will occur while this matter is under review,” the DPPF assured the court.
With the charges struck out, the case is effectively paused pending further action by the Attorney General’s office.
