The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN ), has got the go ahead of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory FCT to review the fraud charges filed against Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Related Commission ICPC.
Consequently, the arraignment of the legal luminary and Constitutional lawyer, slated for Monday 26, January was shifted to February 24 2026.
The AGF took over the prosecution case on Monday and told the Court he needed time to go through the case file and take a well informed decision.
When the matter was mentioned the Head, High Profile Prosecution Department of ICPC, Dr Osuebeni Akpomesingha Akpos, had announced appearance for the prosecution.
A former AGF and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN) with 15 other SANs announced appearance for the defendant.
At this point, the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation DPPF, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced his appearance on behalf of the AGF and informed Justice Peter Kekemeke of the decision of the AGF to take over the case from ICPC
He said that the decision was pursuant to Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and to collaborate with the ICPC to ensure that the prosecution meets the highest standard of effectiveness, efficiency, diligence and compliance with due process of law.
The DPPF further told the court that the decision was also guided by public interest and to instil confidence, fairness and competence in the criminal justice.
He assured the court that the right of the defendant will be protected and that no party will be made to suffer any adverse, adding that inter-agency cooperation to fight corruption was also considered by the OAGF.
He therefore asked the court to take judicial notice of the take over of the trial by the AGF Office.
The AGF therefore sought adjournment to enable his office retrieve the case file from the ICPC to thoroughly review it and take the next line of action.
The ICPC lawyer in reaction did not object to the takeover . He promised that the commission will cooperate fully with the AGF office, being the agency that investigated the matter.
Lawyers in the matter agreed by consensus and fixed February 24 to hear the decision of the AGF on the matter and Justice Peter Kekemeke agreed to their request.