ICPC Files Criminal Charge Against Mike Ozekhome Over London Property
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formally filed a criminal charge against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, over allegations of fraud and forgery linked to a London property.
The case, now before the Abuja High Court, marks one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions in recent years.
The ICPC, through its Head of High Profile Prosecution Department, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, filed a three-count charge against Ozekhome on January 16, 2026, under case number FCT/HC/CR/010/26. The charge accuses the 68-year-old lawyer of complicity in acts that allegedly amount to large-scale corruption.
According to court documents, Ozekhome is alleged to have received ownership of House 79, Randall Avenue, London NW2 7SX, in August 2021 from one Mr. Shani Tali.
The commission claims that this transaction constitutes a felony under Section 13 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and is punishable under Section 24 of the same Act.
The charges go beyond mere acquisition of property. The ICPC alleges that Ozekhome engaged in forgery and the use of false documents in relation to the disputed ownership of the London property.
Prosecutors argue that he knowingly provided false information and attempted to deceive public authorities, thereby committing offences that strike at the heart of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
This case has drawn significant public attention because of Ozekhome’s prominence as a constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate. He has long been a vocal critic of government policies and corruption in public institutions, making the charges against him particularly striking.
The prosecution’s decision to pursue the matter underscores the ICPC’s renewed focus on high-profile corruption cases, especially those involving senior members of the legal profession.
The property in question, House 79, Randall Avenue, London, has become the centerpiece of the allegations. The ICPC maintains that Ozekhome’s acceptance of the property was unlawful and fraudulent, while also pointing to alleged forged documents used to validate the transaction.
The commission insists that such acts undermine Nigeria’s credibility in its fight against corruption and weaken public trust in the justice system.
Legal analysts suggest that the case will test the strength of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and the independence of its judiciary. If proven, the charges could carry severe penalties, including imprisonment and disbarment from legal practice.
However, Ozekhome, known for his courtroom prowess, is expected to mount a vigorous defense, potentially challenging the jurisdiction of the court and the evidentiary basis of the ICPC’s claims.
The arraignment of Ozekhome signals a broader message from the ICPC: that no individual, regardless of status or influence, is above the law.
As proceedings unfold, the case is likely to dominate headlines, not only for its legal implications but also for its political and social reverberations.
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