Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation has withdrawn a criminal case filed against senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), a court heard on Tuesday.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama that the Attorney General would review the case and determine the appropriate next steps.
Justice Peter Kekemeke subsequently struck out the three-count charge, which included allegations of forgery, after the prosecution’s application was not opposed by the defence counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN).
Oyedepo had earlier informed the court on Jan. 29 that the Attorney General intended to take over the prosecution from the ICPC under powers granted by Section 174 of Nigeria’s Constitution.
He said the takeover was aimed at ensuring the case met standards of effectiveness, diligence and due process, and was guided by public interest considerations.
The prosecution also cited the need for inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption.
Oyedepo asked the court to take judicial notice of the formal takeover and sought time for the Attorney General’s office to retrieve and review the case file before deciding on the next course of action.
