By Yemi Oyeyemi, Abuja
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has secured the approval of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to review the case file relating to alleged fraud charges instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Related Commission (ICPC) against Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Following the development, the arraignment of the senior advocate and constitutional lawyer, earlier scheduled for Monday, has been adjourned to February 24.
At proceedings on Monday, the Attorney-General, who formally took over the prosecution of the matter, informed the court that additional time was required to thoroughly examine the case file and take an informed decision on the next line of action.
Earlier, the Head of the High Profile Prosecution Department of the ICPC, Dr. Osuebeni Akpomesingha Akpos, announced his appearance for the prosecution. On the defence side, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, alongside 15 other Senior Advocates of Nigeria, announced their appearance for Professor Ozekhome.
Subsequently, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced his appearance on behalf of the Attorney-General and notified the court of the AGF’s decision to take over the case from the ICPC.
Mr. Oyedepo explained that the decision was made pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and was aimed at collaborating with the ICPC to ensure that the prosecution met the highest standards of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence, and compliance with due process.
He added that the move was guided by public interest and the need to promote confidence, fairness, and competence in the administration of criminal justice. The DPPF assured the court that the rights of the defendant would be fully protected and that no party would suffer any prejudice, noting that inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption was also a key consideration.
He therefore urged the court to take judicial notice of the takeover of the prosecution by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
In response, counsel to the ICPC raised no objection to the takeover and assured the court of the commission’s full cooperation with the AGF’s office, having conducted the investigation.
By agreement of all counsel, the presiding judge, Justice Peter Kekemeke, adjourned the matter to February 24 for arraignment.
