Breaking: Court issues judgement on Ozekhome 'forgery' case, as AGF takes another action
Naija News • Feb 24
Ozekhome Case: AGF Withdraws Forgery Charges, Court Strikes Out Suit
In a dramatic turn of events, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama has struck out a forgery case against Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome. The development comes after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) withdrew the charges, citing the need to review and consolidate issues with multiple investigative agencies.
Ozekhome, a prominent lawyer, had been accused by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of presenting forged documents to support his claim of ownership of a property in London. The case, which dates back to January, was initially handled by the ICPC but was later taken over by the AGF.
However, in a surprising move, the AGF's counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, applied to withdraw the case, stating that the office needed more time to review the evidence and consolidate the issues with other agencies. The application was granted by Presiding Judge, Peter Kekemeke, effectively clearing Ozekhome of the forgery allegations.
This development raises questions about the integrity of the initial investigation and the motives behind the AGF's sudden withdrawal of the case. It also highlights the complexities of navigating multiple investigative agencies and the need for coordination and cooperation to ensure that justice is served.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of corruption and judicial integrity, the outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of due process and the need for transparency in the handling of high-profile cases. While Ozekhome may have been cleared of the forgery charges, the underlying issues surrounding the London property dispute remain unresolved.
The AGF's decision to withdraw the case has sparked widespread debate, with some questioning the motives behind the move. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of the justice system, it is essential that the AGF provides clarity on the reasons behind the withdrawal and any subsequent actions that will be taken to address the underlying issues.