The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has taken over the prosecution of prominent constitutional lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in an alleged London property fraud case, prompting a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to adjourn his arraignment to February 24, 2026.
Justice Peter Kekemeke granted the takeover on Monday after the AGF invoked Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Attorney-General to institute, take over, or discontinue criminal proceedings in the public interest.
Ozekhome, who was billed for arraignment, was not docked following the AGF’s intervention.
Legal Heavyweights Appear
The senior advocate was represented by a formidable legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, alongside 15 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was represented by Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha, head of its High-Profile Prosecution Unit, while the AGF appeared through the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
Oyedepo informed the court that the AGF decided to assume control of the case to ensure diligent prosecution, adherence to due process, and to strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
He requested time to retrieve and review the case file from the ICPC. The application was not opposed by either the ICPC or the defence.
Allegations
The ICPC had filed a three-count charge against Ozekhome, bordering on alleged forgery and fraudulent property acquisition.
According to the charges, the senior lawyer was accused of receiving a London property located at 79 Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, allegedly linked to criminal proceeds. He was also accused of forging a Nigerian passport in the name of “Shani Tali” and using the document to support ownership claims to the property.
Ozekhome has denied all allegations.
Adjournment
After hearing submissions from counsel, Justice Kekemeke adjourned the matter to February 24, 2026, for arraignment under the supervision of the Attorney-General’s office.
The case is expected to draw significant public and legal scrutiny due to Ozekhome’s standing at the Bar and the constitutional powers exercised by the AGF in taking over the prosecution.
