The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnemi, SAN, has formally taken over the prosecution of Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in the alleged fraud case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Ozekhome was scheduled to be arraigned in an Abuja high court over alleged forgery related to a UK property transaction. During proceedings, Dr. Osuebeni Akpomesingha appeared for the ICPC, while Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former AGF, represented Ozekhome. The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, subsequently announced the AGF’s decision to assume control of the case in accordance with Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution.
Oyedepo explained that the takeover aims to ensure that the prosecution adheres to the highest standards of effectiveness, diligence, and compliance with due process, while also safeguarding public interest and instilling confidence in the criminal justice system. He emphasized that the rights of the defendant would be protected and that no party would be adversely affected by the change. The DPPF further highlighted that the move reflects inter-agency cooperation in combating corruption and asked the court to take judicial notice of the AGF’s assumption of responsibility for the trial.