AGF withdraws criminal charges against Mike Ozekhome

AGF Withdraws Criminal Charges Against Mike Ozekhome

On February 24, 2026, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) formally withdrew the criminal charges filed against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome.

The charges, which revolved around allegations of forgery, had been initiated by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). This development marks a significant turn in a case that had attracted considerable public and legal attention.  

Background of the Case

Mike Ozekhome, a prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, was facing a three-count charge of forgery. The allegations stemmed from claims that he submitted falsified documents, including a Nigerian passport, in connection with a property dispute in London. The case was being prosecuted at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja.  

The Withdrawal Decision

The withdrawal was announced in court by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). He informed Justice Peter Kekemeke that the AGF had decided to take a “holistic look” at the matter to determine the most appropriate course of action. The defence team, led by Paul Erokoro (SAN), did not oppose the application, leading the court to strike out the charges.  

Implications of the Withdrawal

The AGF’s decision to withdraw the charges underscores the constitutional powers vested in the office to take over and review prosecutions initiated by other agencies. It also highlights the need for synergy among Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, including the ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau, which were reportedly investigating different aspects of the matter.  

Current Developments

Although the forgery charges have been withdrawn, reports indicate that the EFCC has detained Ozekhome and is preparing fresh charges against him in relation to the same London property dispute. This suggests that while the AGF has stepped back from the forgery allegations, the broader legal battle surrounding the property ownership issue remains unresolved.  

Conclusion

The withdrawal of charges against Mike Ozekhome represents a temporary reprieve for the senior lawyer, but it does not necessarily signal the end of his legal troubles. The ongoing investigations and potential new charges by the EFCC mean that the case continues to evolve. For now, the AGF’s intervention has reset the legal process, leaving room for further review and possible re-prosecution under different charges.